The Legal Aid Society is mourning the loss of Ariel Quidone, a client who was found unresponsive in his cell at Rikers Island. He was taken to the hospital where he passed away shortly thereafter.

“We mourn for the family, friends, and community of Ariel Quidone, who was just 20 years old,” reads a statement from Legal Aid. “His untimely death at such a young age demands an immediate, swift, and independent investigation.”

“With each of these tragedies, City Hall and DOC leadership routinely deny counsel, the client’s family, and the general public access to the most basic information about what transpired. This is both cruel and unacceptable,” the statement continues.

“These deaths, which continue to mount, are all further evidence that the City is incapable of managing its jail system, and only an independent body, such as a receiver, can help ensure our clients’ well-being and safeguard their constitutional rights.”