An inmate at Rikers Island passed away on Sunday morning, which is the second death reported at the facility in less than a week, according to officials.
John Price, 49, who was reportedly the leader of a drug ring, was at the Eric M. Taylor Center when he alerted a guard around 5:40 p.m. on Saturday that he required medical help, as mentioned by correction officials.
Price was subsequently transferred off-island to Elmhurst Hospital for treatment but, sadly, died several hours later, as confirmed by authorities.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani stated that an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death is currently underway.
“Transparency is crucial, and the Department of Corrections, along with our supervisory partners, has initiated an investigation,” the mayor stated.
City Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards emphasized that “the safety, support, and well-being of all those in our care is of utmost importance.”
Price had been arrested in 2024 on drug trafficking charges, according to court documents. He was accused of overseeing a drug ring dealing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in Jamaica, Queens, and was apprehended alongside several others during a lengthy investigation led by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
He was due in court again on April 14.
This recent incident marks his death as the second in a correctional facility within a week. Another inmate, Barry Cozart, 39, was discovered by corrections officers in distress at the George R. Vierno Center around 11:33 a.m. on Wednesday.
Despite efforts by staff to resuscitate him with CPR, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Cozart had been arrested on robbery and theft charges and was awaiting trial. His next court appearance was scheduled for May 12.
The Department of Corrections, along with other oversight bodies, is also looking into the details surrounding Cozart’s death, as noted by correction officials.
