Oakland, California — A California woman is fighting for her life after she was struck by a car allegedly driven by two brothers, just 7 and 4 years old, while she was walking a friend’s dog on an Oakland sidewalk.
The devastating crash left Kiara Bowling with a brain bleed and facial fractures, according to her family, and doctors say she faces a long recovery involving multiple surgeries.
Woman Critically Injured While Walking Dog
The collision happened at approximately 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, near 35th Avenue and Mangels Avenue in Oakland.
Bowling was reportedly walking along the sidewalk when the Toyota sedan approached after sideswiping another vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
Oakland police previously said the Toyota lost control and struck Bowling. She and both children inside the vehicle were transported to a hospital following the crash.
Bowling was taken to Highland Hospital, where she remains under medical care.
Family Says Bowling Suffered Brain Bleed
Bowling’s relatives say the injuries have left her facing a serious and uncertain recovery. Her cousin, Princess Davis, said doctors discovered blood on Bowling’s brain and that she may require two surgeries.
Bowling, who is in her early 30s, was described by her family as someone deeply involved in her community.
She is reportedly a final-year student at California State University East Bay and was recently selected as Miss California Regency International 2026.
She had also recently returned to Oakland after completing a summer program at Yale for her J.D. Davis said Bowling was focused on her education and helping others before the crash.
“My cousin didn’t deserve this. I hate that this happened to her.”
Brothers Allegedly Took Car Keys
The circumstances surrounding how the young children ended up behind the wheel are now a major part of the investigation.
The boys’ parents told local media that the 4-year-old and 7-year-old obtained the vehicle’s keys and drove away from their home shortly after 9 a.m.
Their father, who works as an Uber driver, had reportedly returned home from work around 6 a.m. The parents have been cooperating with investigators, according to police.
The crash occurred only several blocks from the family’s home.
Both Children Were Also Hurt
The two brothers were also injured in the collision. Their uncle, Ali, said the 7-year-old suffered two broken legs, while the 4-year-old sustained a concussion.
The older child was reportedly particularly concerned about his younger brother after the crash. According to their uncle, the 7-year-old repeatedly asked where his little brother was and whether he was okay.
The children’s injuries add another layer to an already traumatic incident for both families.
Questions About Parental Responsibility
The crash has also prompted questions about how the children were able to access the vehicle. One witness, Lavelle Shah-Marquis, said she believed the children’s parents should face accountability over what happened.
The circumstances surrounding the keys, the vehicle and the children’s actions remain under investigation, and authorities have not announced any criminal charges against the parents.
Police have said the parents are cooperating with investigators as officials work to determine exactly how the boys gained access to the car and what happened immediately before the collision.
Family Raises Money for Long Recovery
Bowling’s family and friends say she has “a long and difficult road ahead” as she begins recovering from her severe injuries.
A GoFundMe campaign established to help with her medical expenses had raised more than $17,000 toward a $22,000 goal at the time of reporting.
Her loved ones are hoping financial support will help cover the significant costs associated with hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation and her recovery.
For now, Bowling’s family remains focused on helping her survive and regain her health after a crash that has dramatically changed the lives of everyone involved.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking crash? Should parents be held responsible when young children gain access to a vehicle and cause a serious accident? Share your opinion in the comments below.
