Seattle Settles for $29M in Kandula Police Death Suit

Seattle has agreed to a $29 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was fatally struck by a speeding police officer while crossing a street in the city on January 23, 2023.

Kandula, who was pursuing a master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University's Seattle campus, was hit by Officer Kevin Dave as he responded to a drug overdose call. Dashcam footage captured her attempting to cross the street moments before the impact, which propelled her more than 100 feet through the air. Dave was driving at speeds up to 74 miles per hour in a 25 miles per hour zone, with his emergency lights activated and siren in use at intersections.

The agreement, filed last Friday in King County Superior Court, resolves a $110 million wrongful death lawsuit the family brought in 2024 against the city and Dave. Approximately $20 million of the payout is expected to come from the city's insurance. Attorneys for Kandula's family did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement, City Attorney Erika Evans described the incident as heartbreaking. "Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes...