A California beauty queen is fighting for her life after two brothers — just 4 and 6 years old — allegedly stole their parents’ car and plowed into her as she walked a friend’s dog on an Oakland street.
Kiara Darvonne Bowling, 31, suffered multiple brain injuries in the horrific crash and remains hospitalized at Highland Hospital in Oakland, where her family says the former pageant queen’s condition is dire.
Kiara Bowling, Ms. California International, wearing a crown and a red dress with a thigh-high slit. Instagram/@mscaliforniario
Kiara Bowling petting her service dog, a chow chow, in the back of a car. Gofundme
Kiara Bowling was struck by a car driven by two young children in Oakland. KTVU
Bowling was simply out walking the dog when the young boys allegedly got behind the wheel and sent the vehicle careening into her, leaving her with devastating injuries.
“She’s currently still fighting extremely hard for her life,” her sister, Christina Blackmon told KTVU. “She is currently suffering from multiple brain bleeds and facial fractures. We’re just hoping for a true speedy recovery.”
In one positive sign, Bowling has at least begun responding to basic commands, her family said.
Bowling has begun responding to basic commands, though her family says she faces a long recovery. Facebook/Kiara Bowling
Kiara Bowling. Instagram/@mscaliforniario
The family is raising funds, with more than $31,000 raised out of a $50,000 goal as of Saturday, for medical bills and ongoing treatment.
“The injuries from that incident have created a long and difficult road ahead,” her GoFundMe stated. “Kiara is facing a lifelong recovery and will need continued care far beyond the immediate aftermath of the accident.”
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Bowling was crowned Ms. Greater Bay Area at the California Regency International Pageant last year. She was in her final semester at California State University, East Bay with the hopes of gaining a law career.
According to police, the two brothers managed to get behind the wheel of their parents’ car Thursday and drove at a “high rate of speed” before sideswiping another vehicle that was headed in the opposite direction.
Kiara Bowling was struck by a car driven by two young children in Oakland. KTVU
The vehicle careened into a home on the corner after hitting a woman who was walking a dog in the crosswalk.
A witness said one of the boys appeared to using the steering wheel as the other worked the gas and brake pedals, according to KRON4. Images showed the white vehicle looking crushed on the sidewalk front-ending a destroyed fence.
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“You didn’t hear her scream,” the witness said of Bowling. “You didn’t hear any of the kids make any noises. The only sound that you heard was the crash.”
The emotional support dog named Grizzly was injured in the crash but ran off. He was found and taken to a vet for care.
Kiara Bowling was struck by a car driven by two young children in Oakland. Bowling’s family says she has begun responding to basic commands, though she faces a long recovery. KTVU
The two brothers are listed in stable condition and their parents are reportedly cooperating with police.
The boys’ uncle said the brothers took the car keys while their parents were sleeping. He said the 6-year-old broke his leg and his younger brother suffered a concussion.
Despite Bowling’s severe injuries, her family told KTVU they hold no ill will toward the children.
“There is no ill will,” Blackmon said. “We all know children do not know how to operate a vehicle.”