KURNOOL, India (Diya TV) — The family of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old Indian student who died after a Seattle police vehicle struck her in 2023, has suffered another heartbreaking loss. Her father, Kandula Srikanth, died of a heart attack just two days before officials announced a $29 million compensation deal in her death. The family now mourns both a daughter and a father. Relatives say they are not ready to speak about the settlement money as they cope with fresh grief.
Kandula Srikanth, a retired police constable, died on Feb. 10 in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. A family member confirmed his death to PTI. The relative said Srikanth’s last rites took place on Feb. 11 in Adoni.
The timing has deepened the family’s pain. Authorities announced a $29 million settlement in Jaahnavi Kandula’s wrongful death case just two days after Srikanth’s death. The relative said the family remains in mourning. He added that it would not be appropriate to discuss the compensation at this time.
Jaahnavi Kandula died on Jan. 23, 2023, after a Seattle police vehicle hit her while she crossed a street in Seattle. The officer drove at high speed while responding to an emergency call.
Kandula was a graduate student at the Seattle campus of Northeastern University. She pursued a Master’s degree in Information Systems. Friends and classmates described her as focused and driven. She had moved from India to the United States to build a better future. The crash drew attention in both India and the United States. Many questioned the circumstances of the incident and called for accountability. The case sparked debate about police response policies and road safety during emergency calls.
Jaahnavi Kandula’s family pursued legal action after her death. The case focused on wrongful death and the actions of the Seattle police officer involved in the crash. Officials recently announced a $29 million settlement. The agreement aims to resolve the lawsuit filed by the family. Legal experts say the amount reflects the seriousness of the case and the public scrutiny that followed.
The settlement ranks among the largest payouts in similar cases involving police vehicle crashes. It closes a painful legal chapter for the family, though it cannot undo their loss. The family has not made a detailed public statement about the agreement. A relative said they want privacy during this difficult period.
The death of Kandula Srikanth has added to the family’s grief. He had worked as a police constable before retirement. Friends say he struggled deeply with his daughter’s death. Relatives say the emotional toll weighed heavily on him over the past three years. They described him as a devoted father who took pride in his daughter’s academic achievements.
Jaahnavi’s death had already shaken the family. They had hoped the legal process would bring some closure. Instead, they now face another painful goodbye. Community members in Kurnool district attended Srikanth’s funeral. Many expressed sympathy and support for the family.
