Seattle to Pay $29M to Family of Woman Killed by Police SUV

The city settled a wrongful-death lawsuit after the officer struck and killed Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student, while responding to a call.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The city of Seattle has agreed to pay $29 million to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was fatally struck by a police SUV in 2023. The officer was driving nearly three times the 25 mph speed limit when he hit Kandula in a crosswalk while responding to a call. Two officers involved were later fired, including one who was recorded laughing about Kandula's death.

Why it matters

The case highlights concerns about police accountability and the use of excessive force, especially in incidents involving vulnerable road users like pedestrians. It also underscores the need for better training and policies around emergency vehicle operations to protect public safety.

The details

On January 23, 2023, Kandula was crossing a street in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood when she was struck by a police SUV driven by Officer Kevin A. Dave. Dave was responding to a call and reached speeds of 74 mph in the 25 mph zone, with his siren sounding intermittently. Kandula was thrown 138 feet from the vehicle, and the impact dislodged the AirPods she was wearing. Though prosecutors did not file criminal charges, the Office of Police Accountability determined Dave had violated department policies and he was fired in 2025.

  • On January 23, 2023, Kandula was struck and killed by the police SUV.
  • In 2024, Kandula's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the city.
  • On February 4, 2026, the city of Seattle agreed to a $29 million settlement with Kandula's family.

The players

Jaahnavi Kandula

A 23-year-old graduate student from India who was enrolled at Northeastern University's Seattle campus.

Officer Kevin A. Dave

The police officer who was driving the SUV that struck and killed Kandula while responding to a call.

Officer Daniel Auderer

Another police officer who was fired for making cruel and callous remarks about Kandula's death on a body camera video.

Erika Evans

The city attorney who took office last month and announced the settlement with Kandula's family.

Kelly Sheridan

The lawyer representing Officer Dave, who said he feels "deep grief, remorse and regret" over Kandula's death.

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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.”

— Erika Evans, City Attorney

“While no amount can ever bring Jaahnavi back, we hope this resolution reflects the seriousness of what was lost and underscores the value of her life. She was cherished beyond measure, and her future was full of promise. Our hope is that her memory is treated with dignity and respect.”

— Kandula Family

“Officer Dave feels deep grief, remorse and regret over Ms. Kandula's death. He is hopeful that this settlement might allow everyone affected to continue the healing process.”

— Kelly Sheridan, Lawyer for Officer Dave

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to approve the $29 million settlement between the city of Seattle and Kandula's family.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for police departments to prioritize public safety and accountability, with better training, policies, and oversight around emergency vehicle operations. The substantial settlement reflects the gravity of Kandula's loss and the city's responsibility to honor her memory and support her grieving family.