Woman Who Was Nearly Killed By Child Driver In Oakland Is Relearning To Walk

Doctors say it could take two years for 31-year-old Kiara Bowling to recover from the traumatic brain injury that nearly killed her when a car allegedly driven by a seven-year-old struck her in Oakland last month.

A month after the crash, Kiara Bowling is beginning to walk again, with her family describing her progress as miraculous given how close she came to dying. As ABC 7 reports, Bowling suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent weeks in the hospital following the crash, where she has been relearning basic skills. 

Bowling was walking her best friend’s dog on an East Oakland sidewalk last month when a car being driven by a seven-year-old boy struck her from behind, leaving her without a pulse when paramedics arrived.

The boy’s four-year-old brother was also in the car, and their uncle said they had taken their parents’ car keys while the adults were asleep. 

Meanwhile, Bowling's parents are reportedly cooperating with the police investigation, which remains ongoing. Bowling’s aunt, Karon Markham, told KRON4 she hopes investigators thoroughly examine what happened in the household and suggested that Child Protective Services should become involved.

Bowling is now receiving daily occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Markham said she’s working on tasks as basic as coloring and putting together puzzles, while also learning to move more independently.

“What a blessing,” Markham said. “Because we didn't even know that she would make it one month today, and she's up walking.” 

The crash has left Bowling facing a lengthy recovery, with doctors estimating it could take as long as two years. Per KRON4, her family hopes she can leave the hospital by December, although Markham said Bowling is eager to move faster.

"She has a long recovery. And she's getting there. Small steps," Markham said, speaking to ABC 7.

An online fundraiser organized by Markham has raised more than $115,000 to help with Bowling’s medical expenses. 

Before the crash, Bowling was reportedly in her final semester at Cal State East Bay and pursuing a pre-law degree. She had also recently been selected as Miss California Regency International 2026 and completed a summer program connected to Harvard, with plans to pursue Harvard Law.

ABC 7 reports that Bowling was recently reunited with Grizzly, the friend’s dog she had been walking when she was struck. Grizzly is also recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.

Previously: Woman Struck In East Oakland Crosswalk By 7-Year-Old Driving Car With 4-Year-Old Brother