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Family Of Man Killed By Detroit People Mover Files Lawsuit, Says Death Was Preventable

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The family of a 53-year-old man who died after falling onto the tracks of the Detroit People Mover has filed a lawsuit, saying his death was preventable.

The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court on behalf of the family by attorney Michael Morse, describes how one security officer was responsible for monitoring the system's 64 surveillance cameras and apparently didn't see Michael Whyte fall onto the automated rail system's tracks.

Whyte apparently had been drinking on May 15 when he stumbled off the platform and fell onto the tracks of the People Mover, which was stopped at the Times Square station. In a video released by his attorney, Whyte is seen stumbling for roughly 10 minutes before falling between two People Mover cars. The tram then begins moving, dragging Whyte to his death.

[Documents: Detroit People Mover Went For 8 Stops After Fatally Striking Man]

Morse says barriers to prevent such a fall weren't installed at the time, which is against federal safety guidelines.

The lawsuit names the Detroit Transportation Corp., which runs the People Mover. In a statement, the city says an outside consulting firm has been hired to review People Mover procedures.

The city has said there appeared to be no operational or mechanical issues involving the train leading to the death, which was deemed accidental.

Whyte's death was the first fatality in the People Mover's 29-year history.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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