A detainee committed suicide at Rikers Island Saturday, the 17th inmate death in the city’s troubled jail system this year, The Post has learned.
The death toll now surpasses last year’s count of 16 inmates to die in custody.
The most recent death happened in a mental health evaluation unit at the George R. Vierno Center, according to a source.
The inmate was discovered hanging by a sheet and unresponsive in his cell at about 2 a.m., according to internal records.
He was identified by the Department of Correction as Erick Tavira, 28, who had been in custody since June 15, 2021 on a charge of second-degree strangulation.
“We are both heartbroken and outraged to learn that Erick Tavira, who had no prior convictions and was just 28-years-old, had his life cut short by an apparent suicide early this morning on Rikers Island,” the Legal Aid Society, which was representing Tavira, said in a statement.
The organization called for the DOC “to conduct an immediate investigation with full transparency on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tavira’s death, and provide timely and accurate information to his family and defense team.”
The DOC said all deaths in custody are investigated by the state Attorney General’s office and the city Department of Investigation.
“Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Tavira’s family, friends and loved ones in their time of grief. We take the health and safety of everyone in our custody seriously, and we are conducting a preliminary investigation into this death,” Correction Commissioner Louis Molina said in a statement.
This was the sixth confirmed or apparent suicide in Department of Correction custody so far this year. Last year, there were six suicides in total.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.