Tragedy struck Riker’s Island once again as an inmate passed away on Sunday morning, marking the second death at the notorious city jail within a week, according to officials.
John Price, a 49-year-old who faced accusations of leading a drug ring, was detained at the Eric M. Taylor Center on Riker’s Island when he reported feeling unwell. Around 5:40 p.m. on Saturday, Price reached out to the guards, requesting medical assistance, corrections officials stated.
Responding to his plea, authorities transferred Price to Elmhurst Hospital for further medical evaluation. Despite efforts to save him, Price succumbed to his condition just hours later, authorities confirmed.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is underway to uncover the details surrounding Price’s death. “Transparency is essential,” he emphasized, indicating that both the Department of Correction and oversight bodies have initiated an inquiry into the incident.
Echoing the mayor’s sentiments, City Department of Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards reiterated the institution’s commitment to the welfare of all inmates, stating, “The safety, support, and well-being of every person entrusted to us are of the highest importance.”
City Department of Corrections Commissioner Stanley Richards added, “The safety, support and well-being of every person entrusted to us are of the highest importance.”
Price was arrested in 2024 for charges related to drug dealing, court records show.
He had been accused of leading a crew of drug dealers in Jamaica, Queens, who were peddling coke, heroin and fentanyl before being busted with a number of other associates as a part of a long-term investigation by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Price was due to appear back in court April 14.
He was the second person to die in corrections custody in less than a week.
Barry Cozart, 39, was discovered in need of medical aid by corrections officers inside the George R. Vierno Center on Riker’s around 11:33 a.m. Wednesday, corrections officials said.
Staff at the facility attempted to save the man using CPR, but he was soon pronounced dead, according to authorities.
Cozart had been arrested on burglary and larceny charges and was awaiting trial while on Riker’s, court records show. He was due back in court May 12.
The Department of Corrections and other oversight agencies are also investigating the circumstances around Cozart’s death, corrections officials said.
