The family of a black man who died after being placed in a white police officer's chokehold reached a $5.9 million settlement with New York City on Monday, days before the anniversary of his death. Eric Garner, who was 43, was stopped last July 17 outside a convenience store in the borough of Staten Island because police officers believed he was selling untaxed cigarettes. A video shot by an onlooker shows Garner, who had asthma, gasping "I can't breathe!" 11 times before he loses consciousness. He was pronounced dead later at a hospital. Garner's death became a flashpoint in a national debate about relations between police and minority communities.