Former Nickelodeon Star Kianna Underwood Dies in Brooklyn Hit-and-Run
BERLIN, 17 January 2026 – Kianna Underwood, a former child actress best known for her roles on the Nickelodeon sketch show All That and the animated series Little Bill, has died at the age of 33. She was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn, New York, in the early hours of Friday 16 January, according to multiple reports confirmed by law enforcement.
Tragic Incident in Brownsville
The New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to a 911 call at approximately 06:49 on Friday morning in the Brownsville neighbourhood of Brooklyn. Officers and emergency medical services found a woman with severe trauma to her head and torso at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard.
A preliminary investigation determined that a grey sedan, travelling westbound on Pitkin Avenue, struck the woman as she was crossing the street. The vehicle did not stop, and the victim was reportedly dragged underneath the car for nearly two blocks. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD confirmed the driver “did not remain on scene.”
Law enforcement sources later identified the victim as Kianna Underwood. As of 17 January, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into the fatal hit-and-run remains ongoing.
Key Facts: The Incident and Investigation
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kianna Underwood, 33 |
| Date of Incident | 16 January 2026 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 06:49 (local time) |
| Location | Pitkin Ave & Mother Gaston Blvd, Brownsville, Brooklyn |
| Vehicle | Grey sedan, travelling westbound |
| Driver Status | Fled the scene, not identified |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing, no arrests made |
Career of a Child Star
Born in New York City on 28 November 1992, Kianna Underwood began acting at the age of seven. Her breakout role came in 2005 when she joined the cast of Nickelodeon’s long-running sketch comedy All That for its tenth and final season of its original run. She appeared in seven episodes alongside cast members including Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, and Kenan Thompson.
Prior to that, she was best known as a voice actor, providing the voice for Fuchsia Glover, the cousin of the main character, in 23 episodes of the Nick Jr. animated series Little Bill from 1999 to 2004.
Her other credits include a role in the 1999 film The 24 Hour Woman and a voice role in the 2001 holiday special Santa, Baby!. Following her television work, she performed as Little Inez for over a year on the first national tour of the musical Hairspray.
After her time in the spotlight, Underwood largely stepped away from public life and was living privately in New York City.
Concerning Video Resurfaces
In the wake of her death, a video believed to have been recorded around 2021 has circulated on social media. The undated footage shows Underwood on a New York City street at night, appearing dishevelled and disoriented. When asked by a person filming, she identifies herself as “Kianna Underwood from All That on Nickelodeon.”
The brief clip, described by some outlets as a heartbreaking final glimpse into her life after fame, has prompted an outpouring of sadness from fans who remembered her from her childhood roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Kianna Underwood?
Kianna Underwood was a 33-year-old American former child actress, best known for her work on the Nickelodeon television shows All That and Little Bill in the early 2000s.
What happened to her?
She was struck and killed by a grey sedan in a hit-and-run collision while crossing a street in the Brownsville area of Brooklyn, New York, on the morning of 16 January 2026. The driver fled the scene.
Has the driver been caught?
As of 17 January 2026, the New York Police Department has not made any arrests. The investigation is active and ongoing.
What was she known for?
Underwood was most recognised for her role on the 2005 season of Nickelodeon’s All That and for voicing the character Fuchsia on the animated series Little Bill. She also performed in the national tour of Hairspray.