A second Rikers Island inmate died from a suspected drug overdose this week to become the 11th fatality reported within the facility this year.
Michael Lopez, 34, was found unresponsive at around 10:13 a.m. inside Rikers’ Anna M. Kross Center; preliminary evidence showed he died of a drug overdose.
“We are extremely saddened by yet another death in custody,” Correction Commissioner Louis Molina said.
“No one should have to experience the loss of a loved one while incarcerated and we are doing everything in our power to keep people safe and prevent further losses.”
“Any death in custody is intolerable and we are investigating both of the deaths that occurred this week aggressively.”
Lopez was detained on burglary charges after stealing items from a Target and Duane Reade, authorities said.
