Oakland Woman Seriously Injured in Unusual Crash
A California woman is fighting for her life after being struck by a car driven by two young brothers in Oakland on Thursday morning.
Kiara Darvonne Bowling was walking a friend’s dog along 35th Avenue when a Toyota sedan lost control and hit her near the intersection of 35th Avenue and Mangels Avenue, according to authorities. The crash happened at approximately 9:30 a.m. on August 6.
Police said the vehicle had first sideswiped another car traveling in the opposite direction before veering out of control and striking Bowling.
Bowling was taken to Highland Hospital with severe injuries, including a brain bleed, internal bleeding and multiple facial fractures. Her family said she is expected to undergo additional surgeries as doctors continue treating her injuries.
Brothers, 7 and 4, Were Inside the Vehicle
The two children inside the Toyota were brothers, reportedly ages 7 and 4. Authorities said both were also taken to the hospital following the collision and were in stable condition.
According to relatives, the children had accessed their parents’ car keys and left their home in the vehicle while the adults were asleep. The crash occurred only several blocks from the family’s residence.
The older boy suffered broken legs, while the younger child sustained a concussion, according to their uncle.
The children’s parents are cooperating with investigators as authorities work to determine exactly how the boys obtained access to the vehicle and managed to drive away.
Family Says Bowling Faces a Long Road to Recovery
Bowling’s family said her condition remains serious and that doctors have not yet provided a clear long-term prognosis.
The injured woman is a senior 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 as she prepared for the next stage of her education.
Her family described her as someone who is deeply involved in her community and said the crash has left them devastated.
A fundraising campaign has also been established to help cover Bowling’s medical and recovery expenses as she faces what could be a lengthy rehabilitation.
Oakland police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and are seeking information from potential witnesses.
