At a Glance
- Former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Underwood, 33, died after being struck by two vehicles in Brooklyn
- Both drivers fled the scene; no arrests have been made
- Her father, Anthony Underwood, posted a since-deleted message asking if anyone comforted her as she lay dying
- Why it matters: The incident highlights the human toll of hit-and-run crashes and the grief families endure when drivers escape accountability
A child star who once made audiences laugh on Nickelodeon’s All That is dead at 33 after a brutal Brooklyn hit-and-run that has left her family searching for answers and compassion.
Kianna Underwood was crossing Pitkin Avenue at Mother Gaston Boulevard around 6:40 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 16 when a black 2021 Ford Explorer SUV veered over the yellow line and drove against traffic, according to the NYPD statement provided to News Of Los Angeles. The SUV slammed into Kianna in the marked crosswalk, knocking her to the pavement. Moments later a black-and-gray sedan ran over her again. Both drivers sped away; she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Father’s Anguish
Anthony Underwood learned of his daughter’s death less than 24 hours later. On Saturday morning, Jan. 17, he posted a message on Facebook that he later deleted. In it he compared Kianna’s final moments to a wounded fox he once saw on a Catskills road.
“All I can think about is did anyone show my baby that same compassion, as someone ran her over like roadkill,” he wrote. “Did anyone try to comfort my baby as she layed dying in the street alone, or did they just stand around with their phones.”
The post ended with a plea: “Did anyone try to comfort my baby?”
Investigation Stalled
Investigators have not identified either driver. The NYPD says the Explorer was last seen heading west on Pitkin; the sedan’s direction is unknown. No surveillance video has been released, and detectives are asking witnesses to come forward.
Key facts released by police:
- Time: 6:40 a.m., Jan. 16
- Location: Pitkin Ave. & Mother Gaston Blvd., crosswalk
- Vehicles: Black 2021 Ford Explorer, black/gray sedan
- Status: Both drivers at large; no arrests
Daniel J. Whitman reported that the NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad has assumed the case, standard procedure for fatal crashes.
From Child Star to Broadway
Kianna’s first screen credit came at age four, voicing Fuchsia Glover on Nickelodeon’s Little Bill for 23 episodes between 1999 and 2004. In 2005 she joined the tenth season of All That, the network’s sketch-comedy staple, performing alongside future stars like Jamie Lynn Spears.
Her résumé grew quickly:
- Film: The 24 Hour Woman opposite Rosie Perez and Patti LuPone
- Satire: Death of a Dynasty with Kevin Hart
- Stage: Little Inez in the first national tour of Hairspray, 2006-2007
Casting directors praised her comic timing; co-stars remembered her as the kid who could make an entire set laugh between takes.
A Life Cut Short
Friends say Kianna had recently returned to New York after several years in Los Angeles and was auditioning again. She had spoken about wanting to direct and had begun writing a short film.
The NYPD’s plea for tips is posted on social media, but tips have slowed. Without dash-cam or doorbell footage, investigators rely on eyewitnesses who may have been on their morning commute. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $3,500 for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
Key Takeaways
- Two drivers remain at large after striking Kianna Underwood in a crosswalk
- Her father’s viral post underscores the emotional aftermath of hit-and-runs
- Police continue to seek witnesses and surveillance footage
- The tragedy ends a career that began before kindergarten and included both television and Broadway credits
