NEW YORK — A Department of Correction detainee died Friday, officials confirmed, the 13th person to die while in the department's custody this year.

Victor Mercado, 64, died shortly before 12:40 p.m. at Elmhurst Hospital, the Department of Correction announced.

In a statement, Department of Correction Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi said, "I am heartbroken to learn of Mr. Mercado's passing, and we mourn his loss together as a city. While city officials are working quickly to identify the cause of death, our department is more committed than ever to improve safety across the jail system for staff and detainees."

The city’s medical examiner is looking into Mercado’s cause of death. The Department of Correction says it appears “medical in nature,” according to preliminary info.

As of this writing, is is not confirmed for how long Mercado was in custody or which facility he was held at before being transported to the hospital.

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