Erick Tavira died in NYC DOC custody on October 22, 2022. He had been at Rikers Island since June of 2021. He was the 17th person to die in NYC DOC custody in 2022. Erick was a writer, musician and beloved son, nephew, and brother. His family describes him as funny, supportive and knowledgeable. He was 28 years old when he died.

Erick’s family gathers to remember him.

Erick made me feel happy, beautiful, and smart. When he called, he would always ask, how are you doing, auntie? How’re the kids doing? Are they behaving? What are you cooking? Erick loved my Steak a la Mexicana with rice and beans. It’s hard to know I won’t hear his voice again.”

-Marysol Tavira, aunt of Erick

Ericks cousin and grandmother (left), Erick as a child (right).

“Beloved nephew, full of personality and strong character. A writer, an excellent guitarist with an elegant style. I will forever remember every moment we shared. Resilient to life’s difficulties. Intelligent, imaginative, intellectual, irreplaceable, caring, charming, clever, cheerful, chatty, charismatic…Justice for Erick. Justice for everyone that died in Rikers. May they all rest in peace.”

-Marbella Tavira, aunt of Erick

Erick, third from left, with his family in 2012.

Erick’s family in 2022.

Erick is survived by his mother Haydeth Tavira, sisters Ruth Tavira and Amariliz Torres, grandmother Consuelo Tavira, aunts Marbella Tavira, Marysol Tavira, Sandra Garcia, cousins Destiny Tavira, Cesar Ramos, John Ramos, Ignacio Morquecho, Angelica Morquecho, Isai Morquecho, Betsy Garcia, and Fransisco Tavira among many others who loved him.

In Honor: Lives Lost in City Jail was created for The Legal Aid Society by Phoebe Jones.