College Student and Basketball Star Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident

1 month ago 0

Emily Mae Smith, a promising 20-year-old college student from Greenville, New York, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident near Pierrepont Avenue in Potsdam. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Smith, a transfer student majoring in business administration at the State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam, was also a rising star on the women’s basketball team. Dr. Suzanne Smith, President of SUNY Potsdam, highlighted Emily’s academic achievements and strong social connections in a statement, noting her placement on the Dean’s List and her circle of friends and mentors.

According to law enforcement, Emily was struck by an older-model black Cadillac Escalade while walking near the campus. The crash led to her being transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.

The suspect vehicle fled immediately after the accident. However, officers were able to locate it on U.S. Route 11 east of the village of Potsdam later that morning. Jakob D. Krise, an 18-year-old from Brasher Falls, New York, was identified as the driver and taken into custody without incident.

Krise faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, zero tolerance driving while intoxicated, and driving across hazard markings. He was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on Wednesday.

In memory of Emily, SUNY Potsdam announced that the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium will serve as a memorial space for the campus community to gather and honor her life.

Potsdam’s head coach, Brittany Cohen, shared her grief over the loss. “I am heartbroken by the loss of our captain, Emily,” Cohen said. Emily was cherished by her teammates and coaches for her extraordinary demeanor.

Athletic Director Mark Misiak expressed devastation at the news of Emily’s passing, describing it as a tragedy to lose someone so promising at such a young age.