Seattle Police Officer Fired for Fatal Collision with Indian Student

Officer Kevin Dave was dismissed after an investigation found he violated multiple policies in the 2023 death of Jaahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old graduate student.

• Officer Kevin Dave was traveling at 74 mph in a 25-mph zone when he fatally struck Jaahnavi Kandula while responding to a drug overdose call in January 2023.
• Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr fired Dave after the Office of Police Accountability determined he violated four department policies, including safe vehicle operation.
• Dave was issued a $5,000 traffic citation, required to complete a driving safety course, and perform community service, but faced no criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
• The incident drew international outrage, particularly after another officer, Daniel Auderer, was recorded making insensitive comments and laughter about Kandula's death; Auderer was also later fired.
• Kandula’s family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against both the City of Seattle and Kevin Dave, with Indian diplomats closely monitoring the case.

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