Family of dead Rikers inmate Robert Jackson sues NYC for his death

Robert Jackson died at Rikers Island on June 30, 2021.
AP Photograph/Seth Wenig, File

The household of a Rikers Island inmate who suffered a deadly medical episode whereas allegedly left unsupervised by an overworked guard blames town for his loss of life.

Robert Jackson, 42, was locked up forward of trial for a housebreaking cost in 2021 — when his assigned guard walked off the job, in accordance with courtroom papers and the corrections union. The guard, recognized solely as John Doe 1, had labored for 20 hours straight earlier than requesting reduction, which by no means got here, a brand new lawsuit claims.

“Whereas the officer’s publish was vacant, Robert suffered a medical occasion. Left helpless and denied care till it was too late, he died,” says the Manhattan federal courtroom grievance filed final week.

Town health worker dominated Jackson’s June 30 loss of life “pure” — brought on by “hypertensive and atherosclerotic coronary heart illness.”

Jackson was found unconscious in his cell 15 hours after the exhausted guard deserted his publish, the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Affiliation instructed The Put up on the time. And even as soon as he was discovered, there was a negligent and “substantial delay” in medical consideration, the swimsuit argues.

He died the evening earlier than officers threw back-to-back bashes for 2 retiring bosses.

Robert Jackson’s loss of life was dominated “pure” by town health worker.

The lawsuit, which seeks $60 million in damages, names town, the Well being & Hospitals Corp., and 4 unnamed Division of Corrections employees.

Joshua Kelner, an legal professional representing Jackson’s household, mentioned the inmate’s loss of life was an indication of a “deeply damaged system.”

Town Regulation Division didn’t instantly return a request for remark.

Further reporting by Susan Edelman