Former 'All That' Star Kianna Underwood Killed in Shocking Double Hit-and-Run

The final moments: A devastating chain of events

The tragedy unfolded shortly before 7:00 AM at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard, in the Brownsville neighborhood. According to police and surveillance video, the sequence of events was particularly harrowing:

• The initial strike: Underwood was crossing the street when she was struck by a black Ford Explorer SUV. The impact was severe
• A second, unthinkable blow: While she lay injured in the roadway, a second vehicle, described as a black and gray sedan, subsequently struck her. This driver also chose to flee the scene without stopping
• A fatal journey: Disturbing surveillance footage indicates that Underwood was caught under one of the vehicles and dragged for approximately two blocks before her body came to rest outside a local laundromat

She was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD has confirmed that both drivers left the area and, as of now, have not been identified or arrested. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Remembering Kianna Underwood: From child star to remembered friend

Kianna Underwood was a New York City native whose talent shone early. She is best remembered by fans for her roles on two iconic Nickelodeon shows:

• "All That" (2005): She appeared in seven episodes of the hit sketch comedy series during its final season, sharing the screen with stars like Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, and Kenan Thompson
• "Little Bill" (1999-2004): For five years, she provided the voice of Fuchsia Glover, the cousin of the main character, in the beloved Nick Jr. animated series

Her career also included a role in the indie film "The 24-Hour Woman" (1999) and a year on the first national tour of the musical "Hairspray," where she played Little Inez.

For those who knew her personally, she was far more than a former child star. In an emotional interview with CBS News New York, Angelique Bates, an original cast member of "All That," remembered Underwood with deep affection. "She was just so full of life... just a sweet, sweet person," Bates said, fighting back tears. "To go out like that is just... it's unacceptable."

Bates's grief underscores the profound personal loss felt by those in Underwood's circle, a loss made more acute by the violent and preventable nature of her death.

The path forward: Investigation, accountability, and a wider reckoning

The NYPD's investigation is now centered on identifying the two vehicles and their drivers. The release of surveillance footage to the public is a likely next step, in the hope that someone may recognize the two distinct vehicles—a black Ford Explorer SUV and a black-and-gray sedan.

From a legal perspective, the drivers face severe potential consequences. In New York, leaving the scene of a fatal accident is a serious felony. Charges can include Vehicular Manslaughter and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting, each carrying the possibility of significant prison time. The fact that two separate drivers independently made the decision to flee compounds the legal and moral severity of the incident.

This case also casts a harsh light on the ongoing crisis of traffic violence and hit-and-run incidents in New York City. It raises urgent questions for city officials and residents alike about pedestrian safety infrastructure in neighborhoods like Brownsville, enforcement against reckless driving, and the societal breakdown represented by fleeing the scene of a catastrophic accident.

A sobering reminder for all road users

The death of Kianna Underwood is a heartbreaking illustration of how quickly lives can be shattered on the road. It reinforces several critical truths:

• The duty to stop: The most fundamental law after a crash is to stop, ensure safety, and call for help. Fleeing turns an accident into a grave crime
• The vulnerability of pedestrians: This tragedy is a stark reminder for drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially at intersections and during early morning or low-light hours
• The long road to justice: For victims' families, the pursuit of accountability is a painful marathon. While criminal charges are pursued by the state, families may also seek civil justice to address wrongful death, which can be a complex legal process requiring dedicated advocacy

The attorneys we connect you with understand that behind every traffic statistic is a human story; a life, a family, a future abruptly altered. As the community mourns Kianna Underwood and the police work to find those responsible, we are reminded that safety on our streets is a shared responsibility, and accountability is a cornerstone of justice.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Kianna Underwood during this incredibly difficult time.