The owner of a black Ford Explorer involved in the fatal hit-and-run of former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Underwood has informed New York City authorities he is obtaining legal counsel and will not answer questions. The 33-year-old was struck and killed in Brooklyn on Friday morning.
A Tragic Morning in Brownsville
Surveillance footage captured the moment Kianna Underwood was hit just before 7am on Friday, 9th February. She was crossing at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in the Brownsville neighbourhood. According to reports, she did not wait for the pedestrian signal. The driver of a 2021 Ford Explorer, heading west on Pitkin with a green light, veered across double yellow lines to overtake another vehicle, striking Underwood.
The SUV driver did not stop. Moments later, Underwood was hit by a second vehicle, a black and grey sedan. This driver dragged her body for more than two blocks before it became dislodged near Pitkin and Osborn Streets. That driver also fled the scene. Police confirmed Underwood sustained severe trauma and was pronounced dead at the location.
Police Investigation and Vehicle History
NYPD has since located and seized the Ford Explorer. They are reviewing footage to determine if the registered owner was driving or if someone else was behind the wheel. No charges have yet been filed as the investigation continues. Records obtained by the New York Daily News reveal the SUV had a history of 41 traffic violations, with 25 of those being for speeding.
Authorities are still searching for the driver of the second vehicle, the sedan. The investigation remains active, with police urging witnesses to come forward.
A Life Remembered: From Child Star to Hard Times
Kianna Underwood rose to fame on the hit Nickelodeon sketch show All That during its final season in 2004-2005, replacing Jamie Lynn Spears. She also starred in 23 episodes of Little Bill and had roles in film and theatre, including touring with the musical Hairspray.
In recent years, friends indicated she had faced significant challenges. Former co-star Angelique Bates had raised concerns online two years ago, stating Underwood had been homeless and calling for support from their Nickelodeon community. Locals in Brooklyn described her as a frequent, friendly presence who would sometimes ask for money or food.
Her father, Anthony Underwood, shared a heartbreaking post on Facebook, comparing her death to seeing a fox run over in the road and questioning if anyone showed her compassion in her final moments.
The entertainment community and those who knew her in Brooklyn are mourning the loss, remembering her talent and spirit from her early career to her difficult later years.
