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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2026
CONTACT: Press Office
NYC Department of Correction Notification of a Death
Statement from NYC Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards:
“Our hearts are heavy with the tragic loss of an individual in our care. We are working with investigators to determine the cause and the circumstances of this tragedy. We extend our deepest sympathies to her friends, family and loved ones.”
Background from the NYC Department of Correction:
Rajpattie Ramkellawan, 41, most recently resided at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island. On May 18, she experienced a medical emergency. Medical assistance was provided.
She was pronounced deceased at 11:13 a.m.
The Department has notified the Remediation Manager, Federal Monitor, the Board of Correction, the State Attorney General’s Office, the City Department of Investigation, the State Commission of Correction, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the Bronx and Queens District Attorneys and the individual’s attorney.
Ms. Ramkellawan self-reported her race as other.