Tragic Death of Kiana Underwood in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run
Former Nickelodeon star Kiana Underwood was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn early Friday morning, as confirmed by New York City police. She was just 33 years old.
According to police reports, Underwood was at an intersection in the Brownsville neighborhood when she was hit by an SUV, subsequently struck by another vehicle. Both drivers fled the scene, leaving their identities unknown.
It was around 6:43 a.m. on January 16, 2026, when police responded to a 911 call reporting a pedestrian being struck at Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard, as stated by a DCPI spokesperson.
Investigators later determined that the collision involved a black 2021 Ford Explorer SUV driven by an unidentified person. The vehicle was traveling westbound on Pitkin Avenue, allegedly with a green light, when it entered the intersection.
The driver then reportedly veered into oncoming traffic, dangerously attempting to pass another vehicle. “It crossed the double yellow line and reversed, striking a 33-year-old woman who was crossing Pitkin Street,” police said.
Authorities noted that Underwood was crossing in a designated crosswalk at the time of the incident. After being hit initially, she lay in the roadway when she was struck a second time.
Both drivers involved in the accident fled the scene before police arrived. Emergency medical services pronounced Underwood dead at the scene, and as of now, no arrests have been made.
The NYPD Highway District Collision Investigation Unit is continuing its investigation into the incident.
Underwood was well-known for her work as a child actor on Nickelodeon, particularly for her role in the sketch comedy series “All That” in 2005. She also provided the voice for Fuchsia Grover on the Nick Jr. animated series “Little Bill” from 1999 to 2004.
Later, she starred as Little Inez in the first national tour of the Broadway musical “Hairspray.” This Nickelodeon series, “All That,” was notable for launching the careers of various major stars, including Nick Cannon and Amanda Bynes.
