An inmate held on Rikers Island died Saturday morning, officials said, marking the city’s 17th city jails-related death this year.

Erick Tavira, 28, who was in custody at the George R. Vierno Center, died Saturday at approximately 2:16 a.m., according to the city Department of Correction.

A cause of death is under investigation.

Tavira entered custody on June 15, 2021 on a second-degree strangulation charge, according to the DOC.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Tavira’s family, friends and loved ones in their time of grief, commissioner of the city’s Department of Correction Commissioner, Louis A. Molina, said in a statement Saturday. “We take the health and safety of everyone in our custody seriously, and we are conducting a preliminary investigation into this death.”‎

Tavira’s death is the 17th city jails-related death in 2022. That number includes two inmates who were recently released from custody before their deaths.