A driver involved in the fatal hit-and-run that killed former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Underwood has been identified, as police continue searching for a second motorist who allegedly struck her and fled the scene.
According to multiple reports and law enforcement sources, the driver of the black Ford SUV that first struck Underwood has been identified as 71-year-old Michael Griffiths. The tragic incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. on January 16 at the intersection of Watkins Street and Pitkin Avenue in Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood.
Underwood, 33, was crossing the street when she was hit by Griffiths’ SUV. Moments later, a second vehicle — described as a dark-colored sedan — allegedly ran over her as she lay in the roadway. Emergency responders pronounced Underwood dead at the scene.
Griffiths has since spoken publicly about the crash, saying he believed he struck “something” while driving in low-light conditions. In a statement to reporters, he insisted that he did “nothing wrong” and described the incident as an accident.
“I felt a bump. I didn’t know it was a person,” Griffiths reportedly said, adding that he stopped his vehicle shortly after the impact. He also claimed he saw another car strike Underwood before speeding away.
Through his attorney, Griffiths expressed remorse over Underwood’s death but maintained that he bears no criminal responsibility. At this time, he has not been charged, though his vehicle has been impounded and the investigation remains ongoing.
The second driver involved in the crash has not been identified, and police are actively seeking information that could lead to their arrest.
Underwood’s father, Anthony Underwood, has spoken out emotionally about his daughter’s death, questioning how long she lay in the street and whether anyone attempted to help her in her final moments.
“Did anyone try to comfort my baby?” he said in a statement shared online.
Kianna Underwood rose to fame as a child actress, appearing in several Nickelodeon projects, including All That and voice work on Little Bill. In recent years, she had faced personal struggles, including periods of homelessness, according to family members.
Fans and members of the entertainment community have flooded social media with tributes, remembering Underwood for her talent, bright spirit, and the joy she brought to audiences at a young age.
The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad continues to investigate the case. Anyone with information about the second vehicle or the events surrounding the crash is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers.
As the search for answers continues, Underwood’s family says they are hoping for accountability — and justice — for their daughter.
