Seattle reaches $29M settlement with family of grad student from India struck and killed by officer

The city hopes the settlement brings some closure to the Kandula family after the tragic death of Jaahnavi Kandula.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Seattle has reached a $29 million settlement with the family of a 23-year-old graduate student from India, Jaahnavi Kandula, who was struck and killed by a speeding police officer as she crossed a street in 2023. The officer was driving up to 74 mph in a 25 mph zone while responding to a call, with his emergency lights and siren on. Kandula's death sparked outrage, particularly after another officer was recorded making insensitive comments about her life having 'limited value'.

Why it matters

This settlement is a significant outcome in a high-profile case that highlighted issues of police accountability, public trust, and the value placed on the lives of immigrants and international students in the city of Seattle. The case also raised questions about police response protocols and the need for greater transparency and oversight.

The details

Officer Kevin Dave was the one who struck and killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was working towards a master's degree at Northeastern University's Seattle campus. Dave was driving at speeds up to 74 mph in a 25 mph zone while responding to a drug overdose call, with his emergency lights and siren activated. Another officer, Daniel Auderer, was recorded making insensitive comments about Kandula's life having 'limited value' and suggesting the city should 'just write a check'. Auderer was later fired, though he has sued the city for wrongful termination.

  • Jaahnavi Kandula was struck and killed by Officer Kevin Dave in 2023.
  • The settlement between the city of Seattle and Kandula's family was reached in February 2026.

The players

Jaahnavi Kandula

A 23-year-old graduate student from India who was working towards a master's degree at Northeastern University's Seattle campus when she was struck and killed by a speeding police officer in 2023.

Officer Kevin Dave

The police officer who struck and killed Jaahnavi Kandula while driving at speeds up to 74 mph in a 25 mph zone, with his emergency lights and siren activated, as he responded to a drug overdose call.

Officer Daniel Auderer

Another police officer who was recorded making insensitive comments about Kandula's life having 'limited value' and suggesting the city should 'just write a check', which damaged the department's reputation and undermined public trust. Auderer was later fired but has sued the city for wrongful termination.

Erika Evans

The Seattle City Attorney who stated that Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking and the city hopes the $29 million settlement brings some sense of closure to her family.

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What they’re saying

“Jaahnavi Kandula's death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family. Jaahnavi Kandula's life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community.”

— Erika Evans, Seattle City Attorney (Stamford Advocate)

“Officer Auderer's remarks were intended to criticize how attorneys were likely to respond to the death.”

— Officer Daniel Auderer (Stamford Advocate)

What’s next

The city's civilian watchdog found Officer Auderer's comments damaged the department's reputation and undermined public trust. Auderer was later fired and has sued the city for wrongful termination.

The takeaway

This settlement highlights the need for greater police accountability, transparency, and oversight to ensure the value and protection of all lives, including those of immigrants and international students, in the city of Seattle. The case also underscores the importance of sensitivity and empathy from law enforcement when dealing with tragic incidents.