Seattle To Pay $29 Million In Jaahnavi Kandula Case

Wrongful death settlement reached after Indian student killed by speeding officer

February 12, 2026: Authorities in Seattle have agreed to pay $29 million (approximately ₹262 crore) to settle a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was struck and killed by a speeding police officer in January 2023. The settlement resolves a $110 million lawsuit filed in 2024 against the city and former Seattle police officer Kevin Dave, who was fired last year. Nearly $20 million of the payout will reportedly be covered by the city’s insurance.

Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus when she was hit on January 23, 2023, while crossing the street. Officer Dave, responding to a high-priority overdose call, was driving at speeds of up to 74 mph in a 25 mph zone with emergency lights activated and intermittent siren use. Dashcam footage showed Kandula attempting to cross moments before impact, and the force of the collision threw her more than 100 feet.

In February 2024, prosecutors declined to file felony charges against Dave, citing insufficient evidence to prove criminal conduct beyond a reasonable doubt. He was later cited for second-degree negligent driving, fined $5,000, and terminated from the department. The case drew widespread outrage after bodycam footage surfaced of another officer, Daniel Auderer, laughing and suggesting Kandula’s life had “limited value.” Auderer was subsequently fired. Announcing the settlement, lawyer Erika Evans called Kandula’s death “heartbreaking” and said the agreement may offer some closure to her family.