Eric Garner's family releases white dove to mark one year anniversary of his death

The family chanted his final words - 'I can't breathe'

(AP Photo/Family photo via National Action Network, File)

A year after his death at the hands of police in New York City sparked national outcry, Eric Garner’s family marked the anniversary by releasing a white dove at the spot he died.

Jewel Miller, the mother of Mr Garner’s one-year-old daughter Legacy, gathered with supporters for the brief ceremony on Staten Island and chanted “I can’t breathe” .

These were the last words the 43-year-old spoke and he uttered them 11 times. The family similarly spoke the same words 11 times before releasing the bird.

“The purest thing I could do was release a dove in his honour,” said Ms Miller, according to the New York Post. “Today is really about his memory and remembering him.”

Mr Garner died after being placed in a chokehold by officers who were investigating the sale of selling untaxed cigarettes.

His death and the subsequent decision not to charge the officer who had seized him, helped spark protests across the country. Earlier this week it was reported that Mr Garner’s family had agreed to a $5.9m settlement with the city.