Seattle Agrees to $29 Million Settlement for Family of Indian Student Killed in Police Vehicle Crash

Seattle to Pay $29M to Indian Student’s Family

Seattle Agrees to $29 Million Settlement for Family of Indian Student Killed in Police Vehicle Crash

By Senior Reporter

Seattle city authorities have agreed to pay 29 million US dollars (approximately ₹260 crore) as part of a legal settlement to the family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian graduate student who died in a road accident involving a police vehicle in 2023.

The case attracted international attention after details of the crash and comments captured on police body camera footage became public. The settlement brings closure to a prolonged legal process and raises wider questions about emergency vehicle response standards and accountability.

Verified Timeline

Date of incident: January 23, 2023
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Victim: Jaahnavi Kandula, 23, Indian graduate student
Vehicle involved: Seattle Police Department patrol vehicle
Settlement announced: 2026
Total compensation: $29 million (approx. ₹260 crore)

Jaahnavi Kandula was pursuing a master’s degree in information systems at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. According to official investigation records, she was crossing a street when she was struck by a Seattle Police Department vehicle responding to a call.

Authorities confirmed that the patrol vehicle was travelling at approximately 74 miles per hour in a 25 miles per hour zone. The officer driving the vehicle was responding to an emergency call at the time of the collision.

The impact led to Kandula’s death at the scene. The incident prompted both internal review and external investigation.

Official Position

Seattle authorities confirmed that the $29 million payment is part of a negotiated civil settlement reached after the family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in King County Superior Court. Officials stated that the agreement does not represent an admission of liability but aims to resolve the legal dispute.

The case gained wider attention after body camera footage captured a conversation between officers following the crash. The remarks were widely criticized and led to departmental disciplinary proceedings.

Following administrative review, the officers involved were dismissed from service. City officials have stated that reforms in training and response oversight are under review.

Legal Clarification

Under US civil law, wrongful death settlements are financial agreements reached to compensate families for loss, without necessarily requiring a criminal conviction. Legal experts note that such settlements often consider projected lifetime earnings, age, and circumstances of the incident.

What is officially confirmed: The accident occurred during a police emergency response; the vehicle exceeded posted speed limits; a civil lawsuit was filed; a $29 million settlement has been agreed.

What remains outside confirmation: Broader institutional liability findings or additional criminal accountability measures have not been announced as part of the settlement.

Why This Case Matters

The case has implications for police emergency driving protocols, civil liability standards, and international student safety. It also triggered diplomatic attention due to the victim’s nationality and the public response to the body camera remarks.

Disclosure

This report is based on publicly available court records, official statements from Seattle authorities, and recognized media coverage. Legal proceedings may evolve, and updates will be incorporated as confirmed by authorities.

FAQs

1. Why was the settlement amount so high?

The amount reflects civil compensation standards in the United States, including projected lifetime earnings and damages considered under wrongful death law.