A California beauty queen is in serious condition after getting hit by a car driven by 7- and 4-year-old boys, who stole their parents’ keys.
But now the question is who’s responsible?
Kiara Bowling’s family said she is facing a “lifelong recovery” after the tragic accident on August 6 in Oakland, California. They told KGO on Thursday that she is finally showing signs of progress.
“We are hoping for a miracle every day because of the severity of the injuries; there still can be life-changing decisions that have occurred,” her brother Donny Blackmon said.
The Oakland Police Department told ABC7 News she was crossing the street while walking a friend’s dog when a white sedan driven by the 7-year-old plowed into her.
According to investigators, the boys stole the keys around 9 a.m. while the parents were asleep. Their dad reportedly got home around 6 a.m. after driving for Uber.
The crash happened just down the street from their home.
“It was loud,” a witness told ABC7. “I pray that she’s OK, but it was bad, it was bad.”
The emotional support dog Bowling was walking, Grizzly, was injured and ran off. He was found and taken to a vet for care.
A Citizen app video obtained by the outlet showed the young boys lying on the sidewalk after the crash. Bowling was also reportedly seen being rushed to the hospital in an ambulance.
“You didn’t hear her scream,” a witness said, referring to Bowling. “You didn’t hear any of the kids make any noises. The only sound that you heard was the crash.”
Atlanta Black Star has not independently reviewed this footage.
Road to Recovery Begins
“I just found out she has blood on her brain. She has to probably get two surgeries,” Princess Davis, Kiara’s cousin, told ABC7.
Bowling’s family said she is fighting for her life with a brain bleed, facial fractures, and undergoing multiple surgeries. They have raised over $100,000 to support her recovery.
This comes just after Bowling was selected as Miss California Regency International 2026. The beauty queen was described as a hardworking student who was finishing a summer program at Yale to become a lawyer.
“She went to school, she was out helping the community, she is a model. She does a lot for this community. My cousin didn’t deserve this. I hate that this happened to her,” Davis told ABC7.
The brothers are also in the hospital. Their uncle said one fractured both his legs and the other has a concussion.
“The older one was looking for his little brother. Asking about his little brother, you know? ‘Where’s my little brother? Is he okay?’” the uncle told ABC7.
The uncle confirmed that he spoke to his brother about the crash.
“He’s like, ‘I don’t leave the keys around. I don’t know how they did that. But, you know, he’s— he’s very hurt. He’s still like in shock,” a family member told ABC7.
Tragic Accident or Preventable Incident?
So, who’s responsible?
Attorney Narek Vardanyan explained that in California, the child who drove the car is primarily liable for the accident. The parents are generally not liable if the car was taken without permission.
But if the parents were negligent in leaving the keys out somewhere accessible to the kids, then they may be at fault.
If the “theft” is legally challenged and it is proven the parents knew the boys had dangerous habits and did nothing to stop it, they may also be held liable.
Despite Bowling’s severe injuries, her family said they hold no ill will toward the children, according to ABC7.
Atlanta Black Star reached out to police and the family but has not heard back.
