Kiara Bowling, a final-year J.D. student at CSU East Bay and Miss California Regency International 2026, was critically injured on Aug. 6 in Oakland after being struck on the sidewalk by a Toyota driven by two young brothers, ages 4 and 7. She suffered a brain bleed and facial fractures and is being treated at Highland Hospital, with multiple surgeries likely. The children and Bowling were taken to hospital, the boys' parents are cooperating with investigators, and a GoFundMe has raised over $17,000 toward medical expenses.
CSU East Bay Student Critically Injured After Being Struck By Car Driven By Two Young Brothers
Kiara BowlingCredit: gofundme
Kiara Bowling, a final-year J.D. student at California State University, East Bay and recent Miss California Regency International 2026, is fighting for her life after being struck on Aug. 6 by a car driven by two young brothers in Oakland.
The incident occurred on the sidewalk along 35th Avenue near Mangels Avenue around 9:30 a.m. According to police and family members, a Toyota sedan driven by the boys, ages 4 and 7, sideswiped another vehicle, lost control and struck Bowling while she was walking a friend's dog. The crash happened several blocks from the children's home.
Kiara BowlingCredit: gofundme
Bowling suffered a brain bleed and multiple facial fractures and is being treated at Highland Hospital. Family members say she will likely need multiple surgeries. "I just found out she has blood on her brain," her cousin Princess Davis told ABC7. "She has to probably get two surgeries."
Bowling, in her early 30s, had recently returned from a Yale summer program for her J.D. and has been active in community work and modeling. "She went to school, she was out helping the community, she is a model. She does a lot for this community," Davis said. "My cousin didn't deserve this."
Oakland police car (stock image)Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty
Oakland police report that Bowling and the two children were transported to the hospital. The boys' parents have told investigators the children found their father's keys and drove away. The father, an Uber driver, had returned home from a shift earlier that morning.
Family members described the boys' injuries: the 7-year-old reportedly suffered broken legs while the 4-year-old sustained a concussion. The boys' family members say the household is traumatized and cooperating with authorities.
Witnesses and community members have expressed outrage and called for accountability. "I think these parents need to be held responsible," witness Lavelle Shah-Marquis told ABC7.
A GoFundMe page established to help cover Bowling's medical expenses has raised more than $17,000 toward a $22,000 goal. The Oakland Police Department has been contacted for comment as the investigation continues.
Key facts: Collision near 35th Ave and Mangels Ave; Bowling hospitalized at Highland Hospital; suspected brain bleed and facial fractures; two boys, ages 4 and 7, involved; GoFundMe active to assist with medical costs.
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