THE FORTUNE SOCIETY STATEMENT ON THE FOURTEENTH RIKERS ISLAND-RELATED DEATH OF 2022

(September 15, 2022) The Fortune Society issued the following statement today after the most recent death of a person in the care of the New York City Department of Correction.

“Rikers Island continues to be a stain on our city.  Kevin Bryan, aged 35, died by apparent suicide on Rikers Island yesterday morning on a unit that reportedly was not fully staffed.  Whatever the investigation into Mr. Bryan’s death reveals, it is clear that people in the custody and under the care of the NYC Department of Correction are in clear and present danger for their very lives.  The report just released by the Board of Correction about deaths by suicide and overdose in 2021 catalog numerous deficiencies in DOC practice and culture, including staff not being at their assigned posts.  These same issues persist and now we mourn the death of Mr. Bryan, the 14^th person who had been held at Rikers Island to die this year.  The Fortune Society calls for a thorough investigation, swift public reporting on the findings, and immediate action to prevent more deaths including regular transparent reporting on uncovered posts.”