The Legal Aid Society is mourning the loss of 29-year-old client Ardit Billa, who died while incarcerated at Rikers Island.

“Our hearts ache for Mr. Billa’s family, friends, and community during this most difficult time,” reads a statement from Legal Aid. “No words can lessen the pain of losing a loved one under such circumstances.”

“Rikers Island remains engulfed in a full-fledged humanitarian disaster,” the statement continues. “The daily suffering we hear from our clients — whether from deplorable facility conditions, denial of access to medical care, or staff violence — and the mounting deaths underscore why the status quo cannot continue and transformative change is needed.”