Another individual jailed on Rikers Island this year has died from an apparent medical emergency.
William Brown, 55, became the 14th incarcerated person to perish in the Department of Corrections facility in 2021, law enforcement sources said.
Brown’s death came less than a week after the most recent fatality, of Malcolm Boatwright, 28, who had been in custody at the Anna M. Kross Center but suffered a medical issue on Dec. 9. Boatwright, who first entered the facility on Nov. 12, succumbed at Bellevue Hospital.
Brown was also at the Anna M. Kross Center on Dec. 14 when he was found in medical distress, according to the Corrections Department. Staff declared a medical emergency and administered CPR.
But their efforts fell short, and Brown — who was brought to Rikers back on Nov. 14 — was pronounced dead at about 11:46 p.m. Tuesday night.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of both deaths.
“I am devastated to know that another person entrusted in our care has passed away,” said Corrections Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi. “We will work diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Brown’s loved ones.”
