Former Nickelodeon Actress Kianna Underwood’s Hit-and-Run Death: Suspect Arrested

A 72-year-old Brooklyn man has been arrested in connection with the hit-and-run death of former Nickelodeon child actress Kianna Underwood, who was killed after being struck by two vehicles in January.

The NYPD identified the suspect as Michael Griffiths and said he was arrested on Tuesday. He has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.

Police said the incident happened on January 16 on Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn. According to investigators, Griffiths was driving an SUV westbound and allegedly crossed a double yellow line to pass a vehicle that was beginning to turn onto Mother Gaston Boulevard.

The SUV allegedly struck Underwood as she attempted to cross Pitkin Avenue in a crosswalk against the pedestrian signal. Police said she was then struck by a second vehicle while lying in the roadway. Neither driver stopped at the scene, and emergency medical personnel pronounced the 33-year-old dead.

Underwood was known for her childhood appearances on Nickelodeon’s All That and as the voice of Fuchsia Glover on Little Bill. She appeared on the 10th season of All That and had a recurring voice role on Little Bill.

Police said Underwood had experienced homelessness in the years before her death. An employee at a nearby store told CBS New York that he had occasionally given her money, food and clothing. Former All That cast member Angelique Bates had also publicly expressed concern about Underwood’s situation in 2023.

The arrest marks a development in the investigation that initially had no arrests. After the January crash, police said they were searching for both drivers involved in the fatal incident.

Underwood’s death has renewed attention on the circumstances surrounding her final years and her career as a young performer. The latest case against Griffiths remains an allegation, and the charges will be determined through the legal process.