Angelique Bates Says Kianna Underwood ‘Needed Help’ Before Hit-And-Run Death

Angelique Bates is speaking out after the heartbreaking death of former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood, and she’s making it clear she believes the tragedy didn’t start the day of the crash. Bates called attention to Underwood’s alleged living conditions and the lack of support she says existed long before the 33-year-old was killed in what police have described as a hit-and-run in New York City early Friday morning.

The Deputy Commissioner of Public Information released a report explaining that the police responded to a 911 call at nearly 7 a.m. on Friday, per PEOPLE. The New York Police Department also told the outlet that Underwood was struck by a black Ford SUV while trying to cross an intersection. She “sustained severe trauma to the head and body,” and she “was pronounced dead at the scene."

The New York Police Department also confirmed they are still looking for the driver who left the scene after hitting Underwood with their car.

Bates, who appeared on "All That," has been vocal about Underwood’s struggles for years, and she isn’t hiding how painful it is to see this story end the way it did. Over two years ago, Bates sounded alarms about Underwood, who had been homeless, living in New York City, and took to social media to call out their former crew members for not reaching out to her.

In November 2023, Bates shared an Instagram video and called out Nickelodeon for turning a blind eye. “She's one of us and she needs help but she's not getting it,” she said in her video before later adding, “Nobody's speaking on Kianna Underwood.”

She also questioned how the "All That" family image didn’t seem to extend beyond the set, saying the cast members acted like a close-knit family while on TV but appeared to not uphold the same behavior when they were off the set.

After learning of Underwood’s death, Bates shared a clip with the news article headline she read and a throwback clip of the late star on the show, and her caption made it clear she was devastated. She wrote in her caption, “Y’all have no idea how much this one hurts…Sick to my stomach….So many people failed, baby girl.”

In the replies, followers reassured Bates that she had done more than most to speak up, with one commenter writing, “YOU did everything in your power to bring awareness to her life! One of the very few, if not only, who tried to get her story out there so that there would be some kind of miracle. Please take care of yourself, my heart is heavy for her family” before adding heartbreak emojis.

Others shared quick condolences and messages of support, including “I just saw this and immediately thought of you. My condolences.” Another person focused on the shock of the loss, commenting, “Oh no... don’t tell me she’s the first All That cast member that passed away...” while someone else wrote, “Why did her life have to be taken so early” followed by crying and memorial emojis.

Another verified account also chimed in with a reminder to lean on loved ones, commenting, “I’m so sorry to hear this. Keep your friends and family close” with a broken heart emoji.

Bates starred on two seasons of the sketch comedy series, while Underwood appeared on seven episodes of "All That," but the impact of her loss is now rippling far beyond those brief on-screen moments.

No one has been taken into custody relating to the hit-and-run, and investigators are still working to identify and locate the suspect.