Rikers Island inmate dies, marking 2nd death in DOC custody this year

Rikers Island inmate George Pagan handed away after being dropped at Elmhurst Hospital on March 17, 2022.
EPA/JUSTIN LANE

A Rikers Island inmate died Thursday — the second demise within the troubled metropolis jail system to date this yr, officers mentioned.

George Pagan, 49, was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital and died round 8:30 a.m., in line with metropolis Division of Correction officers, who didn't say why the person was hospitalized.

“Any demise in custody is a tragedy and we ship our deepest condolences and sympathy to this particular person’s family and friends,” DOC Commissioner Louis Molina mentioned in a press release. “We're working with our associate companies to conduct a full investigation into the causes and circumstances.”

DOC Commissioner Louis Molina mentioned that an investigation into George Pagan’s demise is being performed.

Gregory P. Mango

Pagan is the second Rikers Island inmate to die in 2022.

AP Picture/Seth Wenig, File

The reason for the person’s demise is being investigated by town Medical Examiner’s Workplace.

Pagan was initially jailed on the Eric M. Taylor Middle on March 9, mentioned officers, who didn't point out the costs towards him.

The primary in-custody demise this yr occurred on Feb. 27 when the unnamed individual was discovered useless at Rikers.