Inmate dies of possible drug overdose in NY jail, sources say: ‘We are deeply saddened’
An inmate at Westchester County Jail died while in custody Friday of a possible drug overdose, The Post has learned.
Dereck Ali, who was locked up on assault and weapons charges out of Yonkers, was found unconscious in his cell on Oct. 25, according to a Monday statement from Department of Correction Commissioner Joe Spano.
Authorities brought Ali to the Westchester Medical Center, but he died later that evening, the statement said.
Although the county would not elaborate on the cause of death, sources told The Post that officials are probing whether Ali died of a drug overdose.
The DOC and the county police are investigating the death, as is the State Commission of Correction and the attorney general, Spano said.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our residents and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” he added.
“As part of standard procedures, an autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death.”
Ali had been in the jail since Aug. 20.