ATLANTA — The family of Cornelius Taylor is taking legal action against the city of Atlanta, filing a civil lawsuit following his death during the clearing of a homeless encampment earlier this year.

Taylor, 46, was killed in January when a city vehicle assisting with the removal of the encampment reportedly ran into his tent. His family and their attorneys are holding a news conference to announce the lawsuit and demand accountability.

The lawsuit alleges that Taylor’s death was both preventable and unjustified, claiming the city failed to implement basic safety precautions while clearing the site.

The family is seeking justice for what they describe as a tragic and avoidable loss of life.

Attorney Harold Spence said the city violated it’s duties.

“It is difficult to imagine a more preventable loss. Taking 10 seconds to look inside a tent to see if it is occupied,” he said.

A city spokesperson called Taylor’s death “a tragedy” but says it would be inappropriate to comment on pending litigation.

This is a developing story.