A Rikers Island detainee died while receiving medical care on Sunday morning, officials for the jail said. The death marks the second death of a Rikers Island detainee in less than a week.
John Price, 49, was being held at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Saturday evening when Department of Corrections officials said he needed medical attention. Price was transferred to Elmhurst Hospital in Queens at 5:40 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the hospital roughly 12 hours later.
Stanley Richards, the city’s Department of Corrections commissioner, said the department mourns Price’s death.
“This loss weighs heavily on all of us and our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones,” Richards said.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said an investigation into Price’s death is underway.
“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they endure this profound loss,” Mamdani said on social media. “Every person in our city’s care deserves dignity, safety, and access to quality medical treatment — without exception.”
Court records show Price had been indicted on drug trafficking charges. Price was arraigned in late 2024. His next court appearance was scheduled for April.
Last Wednesday, 39-year-old Barry Cozart died during a medical episode at Rikers Island. Cozart’s family said the man had arrived at the jail with no urgent medical issues.
Rikers Island remains under federal oversight, and reforms have been promised at the long-troubled jail. At least 15 people died in custody at Rikers last year.
