Kianna Underwood, a former child actress who appeared on Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series “All That,” was killed in a hit-and-run incident in Brooklyn, New York, on January 16, 2026. She was 33 years old.
The New York Police Department responded to a call at approximately 6:43 a.m. at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and Mother Gaston Boulevard in the Brownsville neighborhood. Underwood was crossing in a crosswalk against the signal when she was struck by a black Ford Explorer SUV. The SUV had crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic. As she lay in the roadway after the initial impact, she was subsequently struck by a black and gray sedan and dragged nearly two blocks. Both drivers fled the scene.
Underwood was pronounced dead at the scene. She suffered severe trauma to her head and torso. Police said she was experiencing homelessness at the time of her death. The Ford SUV was later found and impounded by investigators, but the driver remains unidentified. No arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing by the NYPD Highway Collision Squad.
Anthony Underwood, a family member, confirmed the death on social media. He asked for privacy during this difficult time.
Born in New York City, Underwood appeared on the final season of the popular children’s sketch comedy series “All That” in 2005, performing in seven episodes alongside stars Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon and Kenan Thompson.
Between 1999 and 2004, Underwood voiced the character Fuchsia Glover on the Nickelodeon animated series “Little Bill,” appearing in 23 episodes.
Her other credits included a role in the 1999 film “The 24 Hour Woman” and voice work for the 2001 animated television movie “Santa Baby.” She also toured with the musical “Hairspray,” playing the role of Little Inez. “All That” was Underwood’s last credited acting role.
In November 2023, Angelique Bates, an original cast member of “All That,” posted a video on social media alerting others that Underwood was homeless. Bates pleaded for help from Nickelodeon and fellow cast members. “I was not aware that she has been in New York homeless,” Bates said in the video. “I don’t understand why no one’s talking about it.”
The hit-and-run occurred during the early morning hours in one of Brooklyn’s densely populated neighborhoods. Brownsville, located in eastern Brooklyn, has faced longstanding challenges related to poverty and infrastructure. The intersection where Underwood was killed sees significant pedestrian and vehicle traffic during morning commute hours.
Hit-and-run crashes involving pedestrians remain a persistent problem in New York City despite efforts to improve street safety through Vision Zero initiatives and increased enforcement. When drivers flee the scene of a crash, it significantly complicates investigations and reduces the likelihood of identifying those responsible. The immediate aftermath of such incidents often relies on witness accounts, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras, and forensic evidence left at the scene.
The NYPD Highway Collision Squad specializes in investigating serious traffic crashes, including those involving fatalities and injuries. These detectives examine physical evidence such as vehicle debris, tire marks, and impact patterns to reconstruct how crashes occurred. They also review available video footage and interview witnesses to piece together the sequence of events.
The recovery of the Ford Explorer represents a significant development in the investigation, as forensic examination of the vehicle can yield crucial evidence, including DNA, fingerprints, or other trace materials that may help identify the driver. Investigators can also analyze damage patterns to confirm the vehicle’s involvement and potentially determine the speed and trajectory at the time of impact.
“All That” helped define a generation of Nickelodeon programming, offering sketch comedy that appealed to children and teenagers while launching the careers of numerous performers who went on to mainstream success. The show’s format featured a rotating cast of young performers who participated in recurring sketches and introduced musical guests, creating a platform that showcased emerging talent.
Thompson, who appeared on “All That” with Underwood during different seasons, has become one of the show’s most successful alumni. Cannon and Bynes also transitioned from “All That” to prominent entertainment careers, though with varying degrees of continued success.
Underwood’s work on “Little Bill” placed her within another significant piece of children’s programming. The animated series focused on family relationships and childhood experiences from an African-American perspective.
As investigators continue working to identify the driver of the second vehicle involved in the crash, anyone with information about the incident has been urged to contact the NYPD. The department’s collision investigation unit will examine all available evidence as they work to bring those responsible to justice.
