In a tragic incident that has shocked the entertainment community, the driver of an SUV involved in a fatal hit-and-run that killed former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood has insisted he bears no responsibility for her death. Michael Griffiths, 71, claims he stopped after the initial impact and attempted to prevent a second vehicle from fleeing the scene, according to statements made to the New York Daily News.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Griffiths told reporters that he was driving a 2021 black Ford Explorer when he struck Underwood, 33, early Friday morning in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Fighting back tears, Griffiths described the incident as occurring during his commute to work in low-light conditions. "It felt like I hit something," he said. "I pulled over and stopped. I did nothing wrong."
Surveillance Footage and Police Account
According to police reports and surveillance footage, Underwood was crossing Pitkin Avenue at Watkins Street around 6:50 a.m., against the traffic signal. The video evidence shows the SUV veering over the double yellow line to pass a stopped vehicle before hitting Underwood in the crosswalk and throwing her across the intersection.
Moments later, a black-and-gray sedan struck Underwood as she lay on the roadway and dragged her for more than two blocks before fleeing the scene. Police confirmed she was pronounced dead at the location due to severe traumatic injuries. The second driver has not yet been identified, and authorities continue their search.
Driver's Attempt to Intervene
Griffiths stated that he witnessed the second impact after pulling over his vehicle. He exited along with other bystanders to try to flag the sedan down. "I saw another car hit the person and start dragging them," he recounted. "We tried to stop it, but it just kept going."
Investigation and Legal Status
While Griffiths has not been charged in connection with the incident, police have impounded his SUV as part of the ongoing investigation. Records indicate the vehicle has accumulated dozens of traffic violations over the years. Griffiths also acknowledged that he declined to give a formal statement to investigators, directing them instead to his attorney.
Explaining his actions, Griffiths said, "I felt like I was going to faint," adding that he eventually left the scene because he needed to take his medication.
Remembering Kianna Underwood
Underwood was born and raised in New York and began her career in entertainment at a young age. She first gained recognition as a voice actor on the Nick Jr. animated series Little Bill, which aired from 1999 to 2004. She later appeared on Nickelodeon's sketch comedy show All That during its final season, alongside stars including Amanda Bynes, Nick Cannon and Kenan Thompson.
Recent Struggles and Concerns
Despite her early success, Underwood struggled in recent years and was known to be experiencing homelessness. In late 2023, former All That castmate Angelique Bates publicly expressed concern about Underwood's wellbeing, saying she needed structured support rather than just financial help.
Police continue to search for the driver of the sedan involved in the second, fatal collision as the investigation remains ongoing. The case has drawn significant attention due to Underwood's background and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.
