Gov. Kathy Hochul has directed the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to place 15 individuals on leave in connection to the death of Messiah Nantwi, an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, she said in a statement Tuesday.

Messiah Nantwi, 22, was pronounced dead at Wynn Hospital in Utica, according to the New York State Police, who are investigating the circumstances of his death with DOCCS’ Office of Special Investigations.

The state attorney general's office said Monday it has opened what they're calling a preliminary assessment into the death.

“While the investigation into this incident is ongoing, early reports point to extremely disturbing conduct leading to Mr. Nantwi’s death and I am committed to accountability for all involved,” Hochul said in a statement. “The people of New York extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Nantwi's family and loved ones.”

Mid-State Correctional  is located across the street from Marcy Correctional Facility, where authorities say the use of force by correction officers led to the death of Robert Brooks in December. Six prison workers have been charged with murder in that case.

There have been seven deaths of incarcerated individuals across the state since the strike by correction officers began more than two weeks ago, according to DOCCS. State officials began terminating striking officers earlier this week for reaching the benchmark of 11 missed shifts while "thousands" saw health care coverage disappear later in the day if they didn't return to work. Officers are protesting staffing and working hours, as well as the state’s HALT Act, which restricts solitary confinement as well as long work hours.

“The ongoing illegal work stoppage is a significant safety risk, and I once again reiterate the need for Correction Officers to return to work,” Hochul said. “My Administration remains committed to working in good faith with Correction Officers to improve safety and working conditions within the correctional system, but we will not compromise on the need for responsible, law-abiding behavior by every single person who walks into a DOCCS facility.”

Hochul said Nantwi’s death is a reminder of the need for systemic change within the state’s prison system, like mandating the use of body-worn cameras, expanding whistleblower hotlines and bringing in outside experts for a systemwide culture review.

At the same facility in 2016, more than two dozen incarcerated individuals were beaten by several staff members and in some cases, sexually assaulted. A judge in that case declared the state fully liable for those assaults this past December, around the same time Robert Brooks was attacked and fatally injured by staff across the street at Marcy Correctional.