Seattle agrees to $29 million settlement in death of Indian student Jaahnavi Kandula by police vehicle in 2023
Kandula, who was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was crossing a street when she was hit by a patrol car driven by Officer Kevin Dave
PTC Web Desk: The city of Seattle has agreed to pay USD 29 million to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who was fatally struck by a police vehicle in 2023, bringing a high-profile and emotionally charged case closer to closure.
Kandula, who was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus, was crossing a street when she was hit by a patrol car driven by Officer Kevin Dave. According to official findings, the officer was travelling at speeds reaching 119 kmph in a 40-kmph zone while responding to a drug overdose emergency. Authorities said he had activated his emergency lights and was using his siren at intersections.
Confirming the settlement, Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans described the incident as a tragedy that deeply affected the community. In a statement, she said the city hopes the compensation offers some measure of solace to Kandula’s family, adding that her life held immense value to her loved ones and the wider community.
The agreement was formally recorded in King County Superior Court last week. Local outlet PubliCola was the first to report the development. Lawyers representing Kandula’s family have not publicly commented on the settlement.
The fatal crash had sparked widespread anger, both in the United States and in India. Public outrage intensified after body camera footage revealed another officer, Daniel Auderer, making remarks that appeared to downplay the loss of Kandula’s life. In the recording, he was heard laughing and suggesting that the city should “just write a check,” comments that were later condemned by the city’s police oversight body.
The civilian watchdog concluded that the remarks harmed the police department’s credibility and eroded public trust. Auderer, who also held a leadership role in the police union, was dismissed from service. He has since filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming wrongful termination and asserting that his comments were taken out of context.
Officer Dave, who was behind the wheel at the time of the collision, was also terminated. He was cited for negligent driving and ordered to pay a USD 5,000 fine. However, King County prosecutors decided against pursuing felony charges, stating that evidence did not establish that he had acted with deliberate disregard for safety.
City officials indicated that roughly USD 20 million of the settlement amount will be covered through insurance.
Kandula’s death prompted diplomatic engagement as well, with Indian officials seeking a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case has since become a focal point in discussions around police accountability and road safety during emergency responses.