In a devastating turn of events, Kandula Srikanth, Jaahnavi’s father and an Andhra Pradesh police head constable, passed away due to cardiac arrest on February 10, 2026. His death occurred in Guntakal just two days before the City of Seattle officially announced a record $29 million (approx. ₹262 crore) settlement for the family. Relatives revealed that Srikanth had been under immense emotional stress since his daughter’s death and was traveling to assume a new posting when he collapsed. His last rites were performed in his hometown of Adoni on February 11, leaving the family in deep mourning during the very week they were granted legal closure.
The family reportedly learned about the massive compensation deal through social media rather than official channels, adding a layer of distress to their grieving process. The settlement resolves a $110 million lawsuit filed in 2024 against the city for the negligence of Officer Kevin Dave, who struck Jaahnavi while driving at 119 kmph in a 40 kmph zone. While Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans stated that the city hopes the financial settlement brings a “sense of closure,” a relative noted that the family is in no state to discuss the money, as they are now grappling with the loss of both their eldest daughter and her father.
The case gained international notoriety not only for the fatal accident but also for the callous behavior of Seattle police officers. Bodycam footage captured Officer Daniel Auderer laughing about the tragedy, suggesting Jaahnavi’s life had “limited value” and that the city should “just write a check for $11,000.” Both Auderer and Kevin Dave were eventually fired from the department. As the Kandula family prepares for a trip to the U.S. in March at the invitation of officials, they do so having lost the patriarch who spent his final years fighting for justice for his daughter.
