By Sarah Calams
NEW YORK — A Rikers Island inmate died Sunday from COVID-19 complications.
The New York Post reported that the 53-year-old male inmate was transferred to a local hospital on March 26, where he later died. The inmate’s death marks the state’s first COVID-19 prisoner fatality.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the detainee’s family in their time of grief,” Peter Thorne, Department of Correction spokesperson, said. “The safety and well-being of those in our custody remains our number one priority.”
As of Sunday, at least 321 correctional staff members and 273 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19, according to NYC DOC officials.