The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student killed in a U.S. police crash a few years ago, suffered a second devastating blow after her father passed away just two days before the announcement of a $29 million compensation deal.

Jaahnavi’s life was cut short on January 23, 2023, when she was knocked down by a speeding Seattle police vehicle while she was crossing the street. The officer involved was responding to an emergency call at that time.

A relative of Jaahnavi told PTI that Kandula Srikanth, a retired police constable, died of a heart attack on February 10 here in Kurnool district.

“His (Srikanth’s) last rites were performed on Wednesday (February 11, 2026) in Adoni, as the family grappled with yet another devastating loss,” said the relative on Friday (February 13).

He further said the family is currently mourning, and it was not appropriate to speak about the settlement money.

Jaahnavi was a Master’s student in Information Systems at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University.

The city of Seattle has reached a $29 million (roughly ₹262 crore) settlement with the family of a 23-year-old graduate student from India who was struck by a speeding police officer as she crossed a street in 2023.

Jaahnavi Kandula was hit by Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving as fast as 119 kph in a 40-kph zone as he responded to a drug overdose call. He had his emergency lights on and had been using his siren at intersections.

“Jaahnavi Kandula’s death was heartbreaking, and the city hopes this financial settlement brings some sense of closure to the Kandula family,” City Attorney Erika Evans said in a statement on Wednesday (February 12, 2026).

“Jaahnavi Kandula’s life mattered. It mattered to her family, her friends and to our community,” Ms. Evans said.

Kandula had been working toward a master’s degree in information systems at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University.

Attorneys for Kandula’s family did not immediately respond to emails or phone calls seeking comment.

The parties filed a notice of settlement in King County Superior Court last Friday. The local news website PubliCola first reported about the agreement.

Kandula’s death ignited outrage and demonstrations, particularly after a recording from another officer’s body camera surfaced in which the officer laughed and suggested Kandula’s life had “limited value” and the city should “just write a check.”

Outrage in U.S. over death of Indian student; U.S. assures prompt action and investigation

Diplomats from India sought an investigation. The city’s civilian watchdog found the comments by Officer Daniel Auderer, who was a union leader, damaged the department’s reputation and undermined public trust.

Mr. Auderer was later fired and has sued the city for wrongful termination. He said his remarks were intended to criticise how attorneys were likely to respond to the death.

The police department also fired the driving officer, who was cited for negligent driving and ordered to pay a USD 5,000 fine. King County prosecutors declined to file felony charges against him, saying they could not prove he was deliberately disregarding safety when he struck Kandula.

About $20 million of the settlement is expected to be covered by the city’s insurance.