Former Nickelodeon Child Star Kianna Underwood Dead at 33

"I can't even put into words how heartbroken I am right now," a grieving fan wrote, as a routine walk through a Brooklyn neighborhood in the early hours of Friday morning ended in tragedy, leaving loved ones grappling with sudden loss.

On January 16, 2026, Police say a woman was struck by a hit-and-run driver shortly before sunrise in Brownsville, dragged for nearly a whole block, and left motionless in the roadway as the vehicle continued.

Emergency responders later pronounced her dead at the scene, and by midday, authorities confirmed the victim's identity, sending shockwaves through both the community and the entertainment world.

What Happened in Brownsville

According to the New York Post, law enforcement sources confirmed that the crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. at the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue.

Investigators believe the woman had just left a bodega and was crossing against the light when she was struck by a black Ford SUV traveling westbound on Pitkin Avenue. Footage obtained by the outlet shows the vehicle continuing for about a block before the victim's body fell out from underneath it.

The driver did not stop. Her body was later discovered at Osborn Street and Pitkin Avenue, where she was pronounced dead with severe trauma. As of Friday afternoon, authorities said no arrests had been made, and the driver remained at large. The Police noted that the driver may not have been aware that a pedestrian was in the vehicle's path at the time of impact.

A Life Cut Short

The victim was identified as Kianna Underwood, a former child actress who found early fame on Nickelodeon. She was 33.

According to her IMDb profile, Underwood appeared on the final season of Nickelodeon's sketch comedy series "All That" in 2005, joining a cast that included Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon, Kenan Thompson, Alisa Reyes, Kel Mitchell, and Katrina Johnson.

She was also known for her role as Fuschia Glover, the cousin of the main character in the "Little Bill" series, which aired from 1999 to 2004. Beyond television, Underwood portrayed Tanessha Labelle in the 1999 comedy film "The 24 Hour Woman."

According to the news outlet, the movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later received a limited theatrical run.

She also had a minor role in the 2003 satirical film "Death of a Dynasty," starring Kevin Hart, and spent a year on stage playing little Inez during the first national tour of Hairspray."

The former child star was born in New York City on November 28, 1992. According to another online bio, Underwood had another voice role in 2001 as Dakota in "Santa Baby!" She later moved to Los Angeles before eventually returning to her hometown.

Family Asks for Privacy

Hours after news of her death broke, a family member addressed the tragedy publicly. Anthony Underwood, identified as a family member, shared a brief message on Facebook, writing, "Please give me and my family time to process this. Thank you."

A fan also posted a tribute online, remembering Underwood for her childhood performances and expressing shock at the circumstances surrounding her death.

"Hearing about Kianna Underwood's death completely broke me. I grew up with her voice as Fuchsia in Nick Jr's Little Bill. It was such a comforting part of my childhood. That voice carried so much warmth, kindness, and life. It's like a small piece of my childhood is gone forever," the fan wrote.

The fan's post read on, "I've been crying ever since I heard. She wasn't just a voice actor to me, she was part of those moments that made growing up feel safe and full of imagination. It hurts knowing that someone who brought so much joy and innocence to others had her life taken away so soon."

The post concluded, "Rest in peace, Kianna. You'll always be a part of my memories, my heart, and the person I became. Thank you for everything you gave to us, even if you never knew how much it meant."

Underwood's death has left an unmistakable void, both for those who knew her personally and for fans who grew up watching her on screen. What remains are the memories of a young performer whose work brought joy and comfort to many, now mourned amid the shock and sadness surrounding her sudden passing.