72-year-old man arrested in crash that led to the death of former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood.
A 72-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood in Brooklyn. The arrest of Michael Griffiths followed an indictment on charges including leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, according to police reports released Tuesday.
Griffiths, who maintains that he did nothing wrong, allegedly struck Underwood, a 33-year-old actress known for her role in Nickelodeon’s “All That,” while driving a black SUV. Underwood had reportedly faced various challenges leading up to her tragic death, including struggles with homelessness and substance abuse, as noted by friends and former colleagues.
The fatal incident occurred around 6:50 a.m. on January 16, when Underwood was crossing Pitkin Avenue near Mother Gaston Boulevard. According to police, Griffiths’ vehicle hit Underwood and dragged her for two blocks. Eyewitness testimonies and police investigations revealed that he had veered over the double yellow line while attempting to navigate around another vehicle.
After striking Underwood, Griffiths initially stopped his vehicle and allegedly exited to aid bystanders who attempted to flag down the second vehicle involved in the incident, which subsequently ran over and dragged the victim further. However, he left the scene before law enforcement arrived, citing a need to take medication as his reason for departing.
Griffiths was released without bail after pleading not guilty at his arraignment in Brooklyn Criminal Court, with a subsequent court date set for October 27. Reports indicate that he has previously faced numerous traffic violations, including multiple speeding tickets.
Kianna Underwood was celebrated for her early work in the entertainment industry, including her role as Fuchsia Glover in the animated series “Little Bill” and appearances on “All That.” Despite her childhood fame, friends have expressed concern over her well-being in recent months, noting her struggles with personal issues.
In November 2023, fellow “All That” alum Angelique Bates raised awareness on social media about Underwood’s situation, calling for more substantial support that addressed both potential mental health and addiction issues.
The investigation into the incident remains active, and police efforts to gather more information about Griffiths’ actions following the crash continue.
