The highest number of Indigenous deaths-in-custody for one state ever recorded in a single year has prompted a rare intervention from the coroner.

Twelve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have died in NSW jails so far in 2025.

"This is a profoundly distressing milestone," State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan said in an open letter on Wednesday.

"These are not mere statistics. Each of these deaths represents a person whose life mattered and whose loss is felt deeply by families, loved ones and communities across the state."

Aboriginal Legal Service (NSW/ACT) CEO Karly Warner said the numbers are a "horrifying record" that laid at the feet of the NSW government, adding it "should be absolutely ashamed".

"This is a crisis and a preventable tragedy that should deeply alarm everyone

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