Seattle Settles for $29 Million in Case of Student Jaahnavi Kandula Killed by Officer Driving 75 mph

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Seattle Settles for $29 Million in Case of Student Jaahnavi Kandula Killed by Officer Driving 75 mph

Last update: 02/25/2026
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Seattle has agreed to a $29.11 million settlement with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student killed by a police officer driving 75 mph in a 25 mph zone. The tragic incident occurred in January 2023, when Officer Kevin Dave struck Kandula while she was in a crosswalk.

Seattle has finalized a settlement of $29.11 million with the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student who was killed in a traffic accident involving a Seattle Police officer. The settlement follows the tragic events of January 2023, when Kandula was struck while crossing a marked pedestrian crosswalk.

The Accident

On the day of the incident, Officer Kevin Dave was responding to a call and driving with emergency lights on, intermittently using the siren at intersections. Dave was traveling at approximately 75 miles per hour in a zone with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit. As Kandula crossed the street within the crosswalk, Dave's vehicle struck her, causing immediate fatal injuries. Investigators determined that the excessive speed left minimal opportunity to avoid the collision, even with emergency signals activated.

Controversial Body Camera Footage

Body camera footage from Officer Daniel Auderer, who arrived at the scene, revealed inappropriate conduct that intensified public outrage. In the recording, Auderer was seen laughing and suggesting the department could resolve the incident by issuing a payment of $11,000, downplaying Kandula's life. The footage led to national attention and amplified calls for police accountability. Following public backlash, both Dave and Auderer were terminated. Dave faced charges for negligent driving and was dismissed from the police force, while Auderer lost his job due to his conduct on the recording.

Legal Proceedings

Kandula's family filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Seattle in 2024, seeking $110 million for negligence. The lawsuit highlighted concerns regarding Officer Dave's prior record, including dismissal from the Tucson Police Department for multiple performance and misconduct issues. Court documents also indicated that Dave lacked a valid Washington state driver’s license at the time of the crash. The legal action brought additional scrutiny to the Seattle Police Department's hiring standards and internal oversight practices.

Settlement Agreement

After extensive negotiations, Seattle and the Kandula family agreed to a $29.11 million settlement in 2024. Although this amount is substantially less than the $110 million originally requested, the figure carries symbolic significance, echoing the $11,000 amount referenced in Auderer's body camera comments. Legal representatives for the family emphasized that the settlement reflects recognition of Kandula's life and the circumstances surrounding her death.

Family Statement

The Kandula family released a statement expressing that the settlement acknowledges the magnitude of their loss. They described Jaahnavi as a beloved daughter, student, and friend with a promising future that was tragically cut short. The family noted that no financial compensation could replace her life, and emphasized the continued grief and sense of loss they experience. City officials also acknowledged the tragedy and the pain suffered by Kandula's loved ones, affirming the importance of accountability while recognizing that the settlement cannot reverse the events that occurred.

Funding Details

The $29.11 million settlement will be financed through a combination of Seattle’s insurance coverage and city funds. Insurance will cover $20 million of the payment, with the remaining $9.11 million provided directly by the city. While the settlement provides some resolution to the family, the case underscores broader issues related to police conduct, public safety, and oversight of law enforcement personnel. Kandula’s death continues to serve as a reminder of the critical importance of accountability and the need for comprehensive scrutiny of emergency response practices.

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Author: Gavin Porter
Gavin Porter is a reporter focusing on scientific discoveries and technology. He is skilled at translating complex concepts into accessible language for the general audience.

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