NSW State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan has made a rare public statement after confirming the state recorded the highest number of Indigenous deaths in custody in a single year.

She revealed 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people died in custody so far this year — a figure she said was a "profoundly distressing milestone".

"These are not mere statistics," she said in a statement today.

"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.

"They are individuals whose deaths demand independent and careful scrutiny, respect and accountability."

The Aboriginal Legal Service said it was a "horrifying record", adding that an additional four Indigenous people have died in police operations.

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