Rikers Island inmate dies, marking the 13th jail-related death recorded in 2025.

A man died at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island early Friday, marking the 13th death related to the city’s jail system in 2025. Edwin Ramos, aged 50, was discovered in medical distress in a bathroom at the facility at approximately 12:04 a.m. on January 13. He was transported to the jail’s medical clinic around 20 minutes later and subsequently transferred to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Department of Correction (DOC) has yet to release specific details surrounding the circumstances of Ramos’s death. DOC Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie expressed condolences, emphasizing that the department prioritizes the care of individuals in its facilities and acknowledged the tragedy of Ramos’s death.

Ramos had been arrested in Brooklyn on August 14, facing a charge of second-degree attempted burglary. He was held with a bail set at ,000 or a bond of ,000, according to DOC records. He was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, the same day his family received the devastating news. The Legal Aid Society reported that Ramos’s father learned of his son’s passing from a court officer while waiting for the court proceedings.

In a statement, the Legal Aid Society highlighted the ironic tragedy of Ramos’s impending court date, where he was expected to accept a plea deal that could have paved the way for him to begin rebuilding his life. The organization criticized the manner in which the news of his death was communicated, stating that it was unacceptable for a family member to learn of such tragic news from a court officer instead of from the department.

This incident contributes to a troubling pattern within the city’s correctional facilities, with 2025 already recording the highest number of jail-related deaths since 2022. Previous years reported nine deaths in 2024, five in 2023, and 16 in 2021. The most recent fatality follows a critical report from the Board of Correction, which detailed a series of systemic failures related to jail oversight and inmate care.

Advocates and officials have raised alarms about the ongoing deterioration of conditions within the jails. Darren Mack, co-director of the advocacy organization Freedom Agenda, underscored the urgency of addressing the crisis, condemning the current mayor’s approach to jail management, especially regarding the ongoing operations at Rikers Island.

Meanwhile, parties involved in the Nunez class action lawsuit are awaiting a judge’s decision on appointing an outside manager to oversee crucial aspects of the jail system in response to longstanding issues of violence and inadequate staffing. This lawsuit has been pivotal in calling attention to the systemic failings within the correctional facilities, highlighting the immediate need for reform and accountability.

As the discourse surrounding Rikers Island continues, the focus on fostering safe and humane conditions within New York City’s jails has never been more pressing.