Seattle Settles $29 Million with Family of Indian Student Jaahnavi Kandula Killed by Officer

Bay Area Editor
Last Updated on Feb 12, 2026

Image courtesy: Gofundme

SEATTLE — Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck and killed by a speeding police officer in January 2023.

Officer Kevin Dave was driving up to 74 mph in a 25-mph zone while responding to a drug overdose call when he hit Kandula as she crossed a street in South Lake Union. He had his emergency lights on and was using his siren at intersections.

"Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family," City Attorney Erika Evans said Wednesday. "Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered."

Kandula was pursuing a master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle campus.

Dave was terminated from the department for negligent driving, though King County prosecutors declined to file criminal charges. Approximately $20 million of the settlement will be covered by the city's insurance.

Recent Posts