Photo: Getty Images
A 72-year-old Brooklyn man has been arrested in connection with the January hit-and-run death of former Nickelodeon actress Kianna Underwood.
CBS News New York reported that Michael Griffiths was arrested Tuesday (September 29) and charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.
According to the NYPD, Griffiths was driving a black Ford Explorer westbound on Pitkin Avenue on January 16 when he crossed the double yellow line to pass a vehicle turning onto Mother Gaston Boulevard.
Police said he struck Underwood, 33, who was crossing Pitkin Avenue in a marked crosswalk against the pedestrian signal.
Underwood was then struck by a second vehicle while she was lying in the street. Police said neither driver stopped, and EMS pronounced Underwood dead at the scene.
TMZ reported that the second vehicle was a black-and-gray sedan that dragged Underwood for nearly two blocks. Police have not identified or arrested that driver.
Underwood appeared in seven episodes of Nickelodeon’s All That in 2005 and voiced Fuchsia Glover on Little Bill. She also performed as Little Inez in the first national touring production of Hairspray.
CBS News New York reported that Underwood had experienced homelessness for several years before her death and was living on the streets of Brooklyn.
In 2023, former All That cast member Angelique Bates publicly called attention to Underwood’s homelessness on social media, asking why members of the cast had not spoken about her situation or tried to help. Bates wrote that “one of our own needs help.”
Griffiths has not been convicted of the charges.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.