NEW YORK — A 28-year-old Rikers Island detainee died on Friday after he experienced a “medical issue,” authorities said. 

Malcolm Boatwright, who was being held at the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, was taken to Bellevue Hospital Thursday after he experienced a medical episode, the New York City Department of Correction said in a press release. He was pronounced dead around 5:30 a.m., the department said.

The DOC said it took Boatwright into custody on Nov. 12. DOC records show he was arrested on Nov. 11. 

“This is a heartbreaking loss at the end of a very difficult year,” DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi said in a statement. “My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Boatwright’s loved ones.” 

Boatwright is the 15th DOC detainee to die in custody this year.

In October, 58-year-old Anthony Scott became the 14th person to die in DOC custody in 2021. He passed away less than a week after he attempted to take his own life.

Five other DOC detainees also died by suicide this year.