A California pageant queen's life has been irrevocably altered after she was struck by two young children driving their parents' car, leaving her with severe injuries that have impacted her ability to walk and speak.
Kiara Bowling, 31, was walking a friend's dog in Oakland when the incident occurred last month. The two boys, aged four and seven, were reportedly speeding in their parents' Toyota when they collided with Bowling. She was struck from behind and sustained a traumatic brain injury. The dog, named Grizzly, also suffered injuries.
The two brothers were hospitalized following the crash. The seven-year-old sustained broken legs, and the younger boy suffered a concussion. According to reports, the children took their parents' car keys while their parents were asleep. The father had returned home from driving for Uber around 6 a.m. and expressed confusion about how the children obtained the keys.
Bowling's recovery is expected to take up to two years, according to medical professionals. A GoFundMe page established by her aunt, Karon Markham, describes the accident as devastating and states that Bowling is facing a lifelong recovery and will require continued care. Prior to the collision, Bowling had been selected as Miss California Regency International 2026 and was nearing the completion of her studies at Cal State East Bay, with aspirations of attending Harvard Law School.
Recently, Bowling has begun her attempts to walk again, a milestone her aunt described as a "walking miracle." She is also regaining her ability to speak. The GoFundMe aims to assist with medical bills, ongoing support, transportation for appointments, physical therapy, and potential future surgeries.
The Oakland Police Department is investigating the crash, and the boys' parents are cooperating with authorities. A video from the scene showed the boys on the sidewalk after the incident, while Bowling was taken to the hospital. Relatives stated she was found without a pulse after the crash.
