Jahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old college student, was fatally struck by a Seattle police car on Monday, January 23, 2023. The police car was reportedly speeding to respond to a “high priority” call near Northeastern University, where Kandula studied.
The tragic incident occurred at around 20:00 local time on Monday near Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street. Jahnavi Kandula was rushed to a nearby hospital after the incident, where she was pronounced dead.
A GoFundMe campaign was started by one Vanisudha Chilukuri to provide financial assistance to Kandula's family. The fundraiser that started about five days ago raised $153,973 from more than 4,500 people.
Jahnavi Kandula was in a crosswalk when she was fatally struck by a police car in Seattle
23-year-old college student Jahnavi Kandula met a tragic fate after being hit by a police vehicle in South Lake Union.
The victim was identified by the King County Medical Examiner's Office as Kantula, and the cause of death was reported as multiple blunt force trauma. Police have not released many details about the incident and have also not released the identity of the officer who was driving the car. Jahnavi Kandula was on the crosswalk when she was fatally struck by the police patrol car.
Detective Valerie Carson, a spokeswoman for the Seattle Police Department, said authorities are not investigating Jahnavi Kandula's death as a case of violence. Carson continued:
“At this point in the investigation, we have no reason to believe that the officer intended to hit the woman.”
A media outlet reported that the officer behind the wheel was placed on “day release”. An online blotter post was updated by the Seattle Police Department regarding the tragic incident. He said the collision is being investigated by SPD's Traffic Collision Investigation Division.
Shortly after 8 p.m. that day, responding officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Jahnavi Kandula with life-threatening injuries. According to Fox News, police administered further CPR on the graduate before the Seattle Fire Department arrived. SFD officials administered other life-saving procedures and then rushed her to Harborview Medical Center. He was believed to be in critical condition.
The SPD posted a statement on its online blotter that said:
“We want to acknowledge the many questions we are receiving regarding Monday night's collision between an SPD officer and a pedestrian.”
He also added:
“As with any serious motor vehicle collision, this incident is under investigation by the SPD Traffic Collision Investigation Team, in accordance with SPD policy. We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Kantoula. This incident is a terrible tragedy for all involved.”
According to the authorities, the incident was accidental and therefore, they refused to put the officer behind the wheel on leave. He returned two days after Jahnavi was fatally struck. It remains to be seen whether the police vehicle stopped after hitting the 23-year-old.
The GoFundMe post said:
“Jahnavi's sudden death has left a void that cannot be replaced, but we could at least help the grieving family by contributing whatever we can to support their family at this difficult time.”
The 23-year-old Indian student was raised by a single mom
Jahnavi Kandula was originally from Andhra Pradesh, India and was pursuing her master's degree at Northeastern University's Seattle campus. According to her family, she was a “bright” person and was raised by a single mother working as a teacher in India.
Jahnavi's uncle Ashok Mandula said the family was informed of her tragic loss on Monday night.
He said:
“Our first priority is to get it [Jahnavi Kandula] home for her family to see her.”
The Seattle Police Department told the media:
“We will provide all releasable information, including the report, as soon as we are able to do so and in consultation with the family.”
A walk and vigil was held on Friday to honor Jahnavi Kandula. Cyclist Joe Hand commented on the incident and said:
“Tonight's case I think highlights how danger can come from any corner of our city, and even those charged with protecting us choose to create actions that kill people.”
It was also mentioned in the fundraising post that the Telugu Association of North America is helping the family deal with formalities related to the remains of the young woman.
