Ex-Nickelodeon Child Star Kianna Underwood Killed In NYC Hit-And-Run on Friday morning
The entertainment community is mourning the tragic loss of Kianna Underwood, a former child actress who captured hearts during her time on Nickelodeon. The 33-year-old was killed in a devastating hit-and-run accident in Brooklyn, New York, on Friday morning, January 16, 2026. Her sudden death has shocked fans who grew up watching her performances and has left her family and local community heartbroken.
The Tragic Incident
What Happened
On the morning of January 16, 2026, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Underwood was crossing the street at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn. A gray sedan traveling westbound struck her as she crossed the roadway.
The Horrifying Details
The impact of the collision was catastrophic. Underwood became lodged underneath the vehicle and was dragged for nearly two blocks along Pitkin Avenue. According to law enforcement sources and preliminary police reports, she suffered severe trauma to her head and torso as a result of the accident.
The driver of the gray sedan fled the scene without stopping, leaving Underwood’s body lying motionless in the roadway. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to a 911 call and arrived at the scene, but tragically, Underwood was pronounced dead on the spot.
Ongoing Investigation
The New York Police Department’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad has taken over the investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the driver remains unidentified. Authorities are actively searching for the individual responsible for this fatal hit-and-run, and the investigation continues.
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Kianna Underwood’s Career
Early Beginnings
Born and raised in New York City, Kianna Underwood began her acting career at the remarkably young age of seven. Her natural talent and charisma quickly opened doors in the entertainment industry, leading to various opportunities in television and film.
Nickelodeon Stardom
Underwood is best remembered for her work on Nickelodeon, where she became a familiar face to young audiences across the country.
All That (2005)
Underwood joined the cast of the popular sketch comedy series “All That” during its tenth and final season of the original run in 2005. She appeared in seven episodes alongside other talented young performers including Chelsea Brummet, Ryan Coleman, Jack DeSena, Lisa Foiles, Christina Kirkman, Kyle Sullivan, and Denzel Whitaker.
“All That” was a groundbreaking sketch comedy show that launched the careers of numerous stars, including Amanda Bynes, Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell, Nick Cannon, and Jamie Lynn Spears. The show, which originally ran from 1994 to 2005, featured original short comedic sketches and weekly musical guests aimed at a young audience. Season 10 marked the end of the show’s initial run before it was rebooted in 2019.
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Little Bill (1999-2004)
Beyond her live-action work, Underwood also lent her voice to the animated series “Little Bill,” created by Bill Cosby. She voiced the character of Fuchsia Glover, the cousin of the main character, appearing in 23 episodes between 1999 and 2004. The show focused on 5-year-old Bill Glover in Philadelphia as he navigated everyday life with his vivid imagination.
Film and Theater Work
Underwood’s talents extended beyond television:
Film Appearances:
- She appeared in Nancy Savoca’s 1999 comedy “The 24-Hour Woman,” starring alongside Rosie Perez, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, and Patti LuPone.
- She provided voiceover work for the animated TV movie “Santa, Baby!” in 2001, which featured an all-star cast including Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and Eartha Kitt.
Broadway: Underwood also made her mark on stage, performing in the first national tour of the hit musical “Hairspray,” where she played the role of Little Inez for over a year. This role showcased her versatility as a performer, combining acting, singing, and dancing.
Life After the Spotlight
After her successful run as a child and teen performer, Underwood made the decision to step away from the entertainment industry as an adult. She chose to live a quiet, private life in her beloved hometown of New York City, where she maintained strong ties to her community.
Community Reaction
Family’s Grief
Anthony Underwood, a family member, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing a simple but poignant message requesting privacy: “Please give me and my family time to process this. Thank you.”
Neighbors and Friends
The tragedy has deeply affected Underwood’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Local residents have shared their memories of the actress with media outlets.
Sparkle Mathis, a local restaurant owner, told reporters that people in the area knew Underwood from her work as a child star, noting the community’s familiarity with her.
Another neighborhood resident, who chose to remain anonymous, shared that Underwood’s boyfriend had informed him of her death. He recounted that her boyfriend had been cooking breakfast for her that morning when she left the house.
“He was just talking to her and he was begging her to stay inside the house,” the man said, adding, “I’m very devastated, you know, I see her all the time. She always had good spirits, happy, good energy. It was very sad to hear that it was her.”
Social Media Tributes
A video has resurfaced on social media showing Underwood being recognized by a New Yorker on the street. In the clip, someone asked if she was on “All That,” and she confirmed with a smile, “The show I am on is ‘All That’ on Nickelodeon.” When asked if she was living in New York, she responded proudly, “Yes, of course.” This video has taken on new poignancy in light of her tragic death, showing her warmth and connection to her city.
The Broader Issue: Hit-and-Run Accidents in NYC
Underwood’s death highlights the ongoing problem of pedestrian safety in New York City. Hit-and-run accidents remain a serious concern, with drivers fleeing the scene of collisions and leaving victims without immediate assistance. The NYPD continues to work on improving response times and investigation procedures for such incidents, but cases like Underwood’s underscore the devastating human cost of reckless driving and the refusal to take responsibility.
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Legacy
Though Kianna Underwood’s life was cut tragically short, her contributions to children’s entertainment continue to resonate with those who grew up watching her performances. Her work on “All That” and “Little Bill” brought joy and laughter to countless young viewers during the early 2000s.
Her decision to live quietly after her time in the spotlight speaks to her character and her desire for normalcy after years in the public eye. Those who knew her in her Brooklyn community remember her as a warm, positive presence with “good spirits” and “good energy.”
Call for Justice
As the investigation continues, there is a collective hope that the driver responsible for this tragedy will be found and held accountable. The NYPD has asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in their investigation.
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Conclusion
The loss of Kianna Underwood at just 33 years old is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be. A talented performer who brought joy to so many during her career, she deserved far more years to live, love, and continue making her mark on the world.
As family, friends, and fans mourn her passing, they can take comfort in the legacy she left behind through her performances and the memories she created. Her work continues to live on through streaming platforms and reruns, allowing new generations to discover her talent.
Our thoughts are with the Underwood family during this impossibly difficult time. May Kianna Underwood rest in peace, and may justice be served for this senseless tragedy.
Note: If you have any information about the hit-and-run incident that occurred on January 16, 2026, at Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in Brooklyn, please contact the NYPD’s Highway District Collision Investigation Squad or call Crime Stoppers.
