BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Kianna Underwood, 33, a former child actress known for her roles on Nickelodeon, died Friday morning after being struck by two vehicles in a hit-and-run incident in Brownsville.
The New York Police Department reported that the incident occurred at approximately 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue. According to law enforcement sources, Underwood was crossing Pitkin Avenue in the crosswalk when she was first struck by a black Ford SUV. While lying in the roadway, she was subsequently struck and dragged several hundred feet by a black and gray sedan.
Investigation and Discovery
Underwood was discovered with severe trauma at the intersection of Osborn Street and Pitkin Avenue. Emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators shows a vehicle traveling west for approximately one block before Underwood’s body was displaced from beneath the car.
Both drivers involved in the collisions fled the scene. As of Saturday afternoon, the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad continues to search for the vehicles and their operators. No arrests have been made.
Career and Personal Background
Underwood was a featured performer during the 2005 season of the Nickelodeon sketch comedy series All That. Her other professional credits included:
Voice Acting: Providing the voice of Fuschia Glover in the animated series Little Bill from 1999 to 2004.
Film: Appearing in the 1999 independent film The 24-Hour Woman.
Theater: Performing as Little Inez in the first national tour of the musical Hairspray.
Police officials confirmed that Underwood was unhoused at the time of her death. In 2023, former co-star Angelique Bates had publicly voiced concerns regarding Underwood’s living situation and advocated for increased support for the former child star.
Family and Community Response
Following the news of the incident, Anthony Underwood, the victim’s father, issued a statement on social media. He questioned the conduct of bystanders at the scene and expressed concern regarding whether his daughter received assistance as she lay in the street.
Former colleagues, including All That cast members Lisa Foiles and Angelique Bates, also issued statements acknowledging the loss and the circumstances surrounding Underwood’s recent struggles.
The investigation into the incident remains active. Authorities are reviewing area surveillance and asking anyone with information to contact the NYPD.
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