The entertainment world is mourning the tragic death of former child actress Kianna Underwood, who was killed in a hit-and-run incident in New York City. The 33-year-old, best known for her role on the iconic Nickelodeon sketch show All That, died on Friday morning in Brooklyn.
A Plea for Help Ignored
In a heartbreaking prelude to the tragedy, Underwood's former co-star, Angelique Bates, had spent years calling attention to her dire living situation. Bates, 45, who also starred on All That, had used social media to sound the alarm, revealing that Underwood had been homeless and living in New York City.
As far back as two years ago, Bates publicly urged their former colleagues and Nickelodeon itself to reach out and offer support. In a poignant Instagram video from November 2023, Bates stated, 'She's one of us and she needs help but she's not getting it.' She criticised the network for 'turning a blind eye' and lamented that the cast, who presented as a close-knit family on screen, did not uphold that bond off the set.
The Tragic Incident in Brooklyn
The fatal collision occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Friday in the Brownsville neighbourhood of Brooklyn. According to the New York Police Department, Underwood was struck by a black Ford SUV while attempting to cross an intersection at Pitkin Avenue.
The driver fled the scene, leaving Underwood with severe trauma to her head and body. Disturbing reports, supported by video footage from a local laundromat obtained by the New York Daily News, indicate she was dragged for over two blocks. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene. No arrests have been made, and police are actively searching for the driver.
A Legacy Cut Short
Kianna Underwood joined the cast of All That for its tenth season in 2005, when she was just seven years old. She appeared in seven episodes of the beloved sketch comedy series. Beyond All That, she also featured in 23 episodes of the animated series Little Bill.
Angelique Bates, who starred on two seasons of All That, shared her profound grief on social media following the news. Posting a throwback clip of Underwood, she wrote: 'Y’all have no idea how much this one hurts…Sick to my stomach….So many people failed baby girl.'
The death of Kianna Underwood has cast a stark light on the struggles faced by former child stars and the fleeting nature of fame, ending a life that began in the spotlight in the most tragic of circumstances.
