Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Killed in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run at Age 33

Kianna Underwood, a 33-year-old former Nickelodeon child actress, died early Friday morning, January 16, 2026, after being struck by two vehicles in a hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood.

According to the New York Police Department , the incident occurred at approximately 6: 43 a. m. when a black 2021 Ford Explorer SUV, traveling westbound on Pitkin Avenue with a green light, crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic to pass another vehicle. The SUV struck Underwood, who police stated was attempting to cross the street without the right of way, dragging her body for nearly two blocks before it came to rest near Pitkin Avenue and Osborn Street.

While Underwood lay in the roadway, a black-and-gray sedan struck her a second time before the driver fled the scene. Emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the location. No arrests have been made, and the NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate, seeking the unidentified drivers.

Underwood gained recognition as a child performer on Nickelodeon, appearing in seven episodes of the sketch comedy series "All That"in 2005. From 1999 to 2004, she voiced the character Fuchsia Glover on the Nick Jr. animated series "Little Bill. " Her final credited acting role was on "All That, "a show that also launched careers for performers including Nick Cannon, Kenan Thompson, and Amanda Bynes. Additionally, she performed as Little Inez for a year on the first national tour of the Broadway musical "Hairspray. "

In recent years, Underwood had been experiencing homelessness in the area, as noted by local residents and colleagues. Andy Sierra, a store supervisor nearby, recalled giving her food, clothes, and sneakers, describing the event as "a tragedy. " Angelique Bates, a former "All That"co-star, shared memories of Underwood's humor and talent, stating, "After giving her a hug, I said, 'You know what? I'm passing the torch to you. 'And she was just so happy. " Bates had publicly raised concerns about Underwood's situation in 2023 via Instagram, warning, "Everything that's happening right now, I pretty much predicted, "and questioning if help would come too late. She hoped Underwood would be remembered for her love of the franchise and reciprocated affection from fans.

Anthony Underwood, a family member, confirmed the death in a social media post requesting privacy. Surveillance video captured the sequence, showing the SUV striking and dragging Underwood before the second impact. The NYPD has released vehicle descriptions but no suspect information as of Saturday.