Family says woman critically injured after being struck by car driven by young brothers, 7 and 4

OAKLAND, Calif. — California woman Kiara Bowling is fighting for her life after police say two young brothers, ages 7 and 4, took their parents’ car and struck her while she walked a friend’s dog on a residential street.

Bowling, a 31‑year‑old California State University East Bay student, was hit Aug. 6 on 35th Avenue in Oakland, ABC 7 reported. Police said the boys took the keys while their parents slept, then sped off in the family’s Toyota sedan.

The collision occurred several blocks from the children’s home at around 9:30 a.m. local time. The Toyota sideswiped another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction and lost control, striking Bowling.

Family Says Kiara Bowling Is Critically Injured

Bowling’s family told the outlet that she is fighting for her life, having suffered a brain bleed and facial fractures in the incident. She is currently being treated at Highland Hospital and will need multiple surgeries.

Her cousin, Princess Davis, told the outlet doctors told the family Bowling may need additional operations. “She has blood on her brain,” Davis said. “She has to probably get two surgeries.”

Bowling’s sister, Christina Blackmon, said she is “fighting extremely hard for her life” and has begun responding to basic commands — a small but encouraging sign.

A Promising Future Interrupted

Bowling was in her final semester at Cal State East Bay and had recently completed a Yale summer program for her J.D. aspirations. She also held the title of Miss California Regency International 2026 and was active in community service and modeling.

“She went to school, she was out helping the community, she is a model,” Davis said. “My cousin didn’t deserve this.”

Children Also Injured; Parents Cooperating

The brothers were also hospitalized. The 7‑year‑old suffered broken legs, while the 4‑year‑old sustained a concussion, according to relatives. Both were taken to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

Their parents told police they were asleep when the boys took the keys and drove off around 9 a.m. Officers said the parents are cooperating with the investigation.

GoFundMe for Kiara Bowling

A GoFundMe created by family says Bowling has “a long and difficult road ahead” in recovery following the incident, a family friend said on GoFundMe.

At the time of this report, the fundraiser has raised over $39,000 to help cover Bowling’s medical medical expenses.