Nearly five weeks after a devastating Oakland crash left Kiara Bowling with severe injuries, the 31-year-old California State University, East Bay student is beginning to walk again as she continues a long rehabilitation process.
Bowling was seriously injured on Aug. 6 when a Toyota sedan driven by a young boy struck her while she was walking a friend’s dog near 35th Avenue and Mangels Avenue in East Oakland. Her family has now shared video showing Bowling taking steps during rehabilitation, marking a significant moment in her recovery.
The crash left Bowling with serious brain and facial injuries, along with other trauma that has required extensive medical care. Her recovery is expected to be lengthy, with doctors estimating that it could take as long as two years.
Her aunt, Karon Markham, said Bowling has continued to make progress despite the severity of her injuries. She is now working on everyday activities that once seemed routine, including coloring, completing puzzles and rebuilding her ability to walk and communicate.
Bowling’s recovery comes after an accident that also injured the two children inside the vehicle. Authorities said a 6-year-old boy was driving, with his 4-year-old brother in the vehicle. The children were also hospitalized following the crash and were later reported to be in stable condition.
Surveillance footage reviewed after the crash showed the vehicle traveling along 35th Avenue before sideswiping another vehicle and continuing toward Bowling. The circumstances surrounding how the children gained access to the vehicle remain part of the investigation.
For Bowling’s family, the physical progress is encouraging, but many questions remain about how the incident happened.
“Everything just doesn’t fit, it doesn’t connect for us,” Markham said.
Before the crash, Bowling was completing her studies at Cal State East Bay and had plans to pursue law school. Those plans have now been put on hold while she concentrates on rehabilitation and regaining her independence.
Her family has also continued seeking financial support for her medical and recovery expenses. A GoFundMe campaign organized by Markham had raised more than $114,000 toward a $120,000 goal as of the latest update available Wednesday. The fundraiser says donations will help with medical care, physical therapy, transportation and possible future surgeries.
For now, Bowling’s first steps represent a small but meaningful sign of progress. Her family says the road ahead remains long, but each new ability brings her closer to returning to a more independent life.
