2 min learnSeattleFeb 12, 2026 01:13 PM IST
Town of Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck by a dashing police officer as she crossed a avenue in 2023.
Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving as quick as 74 mph (119 kph) in a 25-mph (40-kph) zone as he responded to a drug overdose name. He had his emergency lights on and had been utilizing his siren at intersections.
“Jaahnavi Kandula’s loss of life was heartbreaking, and town hopes this monetary settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family,” Metropolis Legal professional Erika Evans stated in a press release Wednesday. “Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered. It mattered to her family, her mates and to our group.”
Kandula had been working towards a grasp’s diploma in info programs on the Seattle campus of Northeastern College.
Attorneys for Kandula’s family didn’t instantly reply to emails or cellphone calls searching for remark. The events filed a discover of settlement in King County Superior Court docket final Friday. The native information web site PubliCola first reported in regards to the settlement. Kandula’s loss of life ignited outrage and demonstrations, notably after a recording from one other officer’s physique digital camera surfaced wherein the officer laughed and steered Kandula’s life had “restricted worth” and town ought to “simply write a test.”
Diplomats from India sought an investigation. Town’s civilian watchdog discovered the feedback by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was a union chief, broken the division’s repute and undermined public belief. Auderer was later fired and has sued town for wrongful termination. He stated his remarks have been meant to criticize how attorneys have been probably to reply to the loss of life.
The police division additionally fired the driving officer, who was cited for negligent driving and ordered to pay a $5,000 wonderful. King County prosecutors declined to file felony fees towards him, saying they may not show he was intentionally disregarding security when he struck Kandula.
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About $20 million of the settlement is anticipated to be coated by town’s insurance coverage.
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