Amaravati, Feb 13 (NationPress) Just two days prior to the unveiling of a $29 million (approximately Rs 262 crore) compensation agreement by the city of Seattle for the relatives of Jaahnavi Kandula, who tragically lost her life after being struck by a speeding police vehicle, the family faced another devastating loss.

Jaahnavi's father, Kandula Srikanth, who served as a police head constable in Andhra Pradesh, passed away from a cardiac arrest on February 10.

Srikanth died in Guntakal in the Anantapur district, where he was stationed. His last rites were held in the family’s hometown of Adoni in Kurnool district on February 11, as shared by a relative.

The relative chose not to comment on the compensation agreement, citing that the family is currently in mourning. They discovered the compensation details through social media.

Recently, the family received a phone call from a U.S. official inviting them to travel to the U.S. in March.

Jaahnavi (23), who was pursuing her master's degree in information systems at Northeastern University in Seattle, was tragically hit by a speeding police car on January 23, 2023, while attempting to cross the street.

She was the elder daughter of Srikanth and Vijayalaxmi. Jaahnavi moved to the U.S. in 2021 to further her education.

The incident involved Officer Kevin Dave, who was driving at speeds of up to 119 km/h in a 40 km/h zone while responding to a drug overdose call. His emergency lights were activated, and he was using his siren at intersections.

Dashcam footage captured the moment Jaahnavi was struck, showing her attempting to cross the street just before the impact, which was so forceful that it propelled her over 100 feet.

Bodycam footage from a Seattle officer joking about Jaahnavi's death emerged, sparking public outrage. India has called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

A video released by the Seattle Police Department featured an officer laughing and joking while discussing the accident.

In the recording, Daniel Auderer, Vice President of the Seattle Police Officers' Guild, can be heard saying, "She is dead" before laughing and referring to Jaahnavi as "a regular person," ultimately suggesting, through laughter, that they should "just write a cheque. Eleven thousand dollars."

The clip concludes with him stating, "She was 26 anyway, she had limited value," incorrectly stating her age.

Both Auderer and Kevin Dave were subsequently dismissed from the Police Department.

The settlement, revealed on February 12, resolved a $110 million lawsuit filed by the family in 2024.

"Jaahnavi Kandula's demise was devastating, and the city hopes this financial settlement offers some level of closure to the Kandula family," stated City Attorney Erika Evans. "Jaahnavi Kandula's life was significant. It mattered to her family, her friends, and our community."