Woman faces ‘lifetime of recovery’ after being hit by car driven by brothers aged 7 and 4
A woman is facing a ‘lifetime of recovery’ after being hit by a car that was being driven by two brothers aged just seven and four-years-old.
Kiara Bowling, 31, was out walking a friend’s emotional support dog in Oakland, California shortly after 9am on Thursday (6 August) when a white Toyota Camry, that was being driven by the two youngsters, side-swiped another vehicle before losing control and hitting Bowling.
One eyewitness told KRON4, that one of the boys appeared to be steering the car while the other worked the pedals.
Bowling was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
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Speaking to KTVU, Bowling’s sister Christina Blackmon said: "She's currently still fighting extremely hard for her life.
"She is currently suffering from multiple brain bleeds and facial fractures. We're just hoping for a true speedy recovery."
The family said Bowling had begun responding to basic commands but in a GoFundMe page set up in the wake of the crash they warned she still had a long way to go.
“Kiara was hit by a vehicle being driven by youth under 10 years old and the injuries from that incident have created a long and difficult road ahead,” the GoFundMe stated.
“Kiara is facing a lifelong recovery and will need continued care far beyond the immediate aftermath of the accident.
“Donations will help with medical bills, ongoing medical support, transportation to appointments, physical therapy, and other surgeries Kiara may need along the way.”
The GoFundMe page has currently raised a little over $68,000 against a $90,000 target.
An update on the fundraiser shared a photo of Bowling lying in a bed wearing her Miss California Regency International 2026 sash having recently been crowned Ms. Greater Bay Area, alongside the message: “Dear family, no matter what yesterday looked like, GOD IS STILL GOOD.
“Thank you for your love , support and prayers.”
The two boys are in a stable condition
The seven and four year-old boys were also taken to the hospital with their uncle telling ABC News that the eldest child fractured both his legs and the younger one is recovering from a concussion but they are both in a stable condition.
"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 said.
The parents of the boys said they had been sleeping when the kids somehow got hold of their car keys just after 9am.
Their dad told the outlet he had been out working until 6am.
According to the uncle, the family don’t know how the children got the keys, with the dad reportedly telling him: “I don't leave the keys around. I don't know how they did that.”
Despite Bowling’s injuries, the family say they hold no ill will against the children.
"There is no ill will," Blackmon said. "We all know children do not know how to operate a vehicle.”
The parents are reportedly cooperating with the police as an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The dog, named Grizzly, was also injured in the crash and ran off but was later picked up and taken to a vet for treatment.
Topics: US News
Claire Reid