The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defender Services are mourning the passing of their client, Aramis Furse, who died at Rikers Island this past weekend while in New York City Department of Correction (DOC) custody.

“We express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones, who are all impacted by his passing,” reads a statement from the organizations. “Furse’s family, loved ones, and counsel deserve immediate access to all information surrounding his death. Full transparency and accountability are essential, particularly given DOC’s repeated failure to keep families and attorneys informed or provide the answers they urgently need.”

Mr. Furse is at least the 14th person to die in New York City this year alone at Rikers Island or immediately upon release from DOC custody. His death comes shortly after the Board of Correction issued its report on deaths earlier this year, showing that the City has failed — in death after death after death — to implement the Board’s recommendations for how to save lives.

“As conditions continue to deteriorate, it is imperative that all criminal legal system stakeholders consider every possible alternative to incarcerating people at Rikers Island, and that the City fully embrace the appointment of a receiver to finally bring the wholesale change needed to reform our broken jail system,” the statement concludes.