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Seattle Reaches $29 Million Settlement With Family of Jaahnavi Kandula

The agreement resolves the family’s wrongful‑death lawsuit stemming from a high‑speed police crash that fueled public and diplomatic outcry.

Overview

  • City Attorney Erika Evans announced the settlement and a notice was filed in King County Superior Court, with roughly $20 million expected to be covered by the city’s insurance.
  • A judge is scheduled to consider court approval of the agreement on Tuesday, according to recent filings and local reporting.
  • Investigators found Officer Kevin Dave was driving up to 74 mph in a 25‑mph zone and struck Kandula while responding to an overdose call with emergency lights on and siren used at intersections.
  • Prosecutors declined felony charges; Dave was cited for negligent driving with a $5,000 fine and later fired, and Officer Daniel Auderer was also fired after body‑camera audio captured him making mocking remarks and he has since sued the city.
  • The settlement follows a lawsuit seeking more than $110 million, and relatives say the loss deepened when Kandula’s father died days before the deal became public.