College Athlete Dies in Hit-and-Run Incident

A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of a talented 20-year-old college student and athlete. Emily Mae Smith, from Greenville, New York, died early on a Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle near Pierrepont Avenue in Potsdam. She was a student at the State University of New York (SUNY) and a member of the women’s basketball team.

Smith, a business administration major, excelled academically and socially during her short time at SUNY Potsdam. Dr. Suzanne Smith, president of the university, acknowledged her academic success, stating that Emily had already earned a place on the Dean’s List and formed strong connections with friends and mentors.

On the morning of the incident, Smith was walking when she was hit by an older-model black Cadillac Escalade. The local police responded around 3:37 a.m. After the crash, Smith was taken to Canton-Potsdam Hospital but succumbed to her injuries.

The police later found the vehicle at approximately 7:25 a.m., east of Potsdam on U.S. Route 11. They arrested the driver, Jakob D. Krise, an 18-year-old from Brasher Falls, New York, without any incident. He faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash resulting in death, underage driving while intoxicated, and driving over hazard markings.

Krise was arraigned in the Town of Pierrepont Court and released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on Wednesday as authorities continue their investigation.

The SUNY Potsdam community mourns the loss of Emily Smith. Brittany Cohen, the head coach, described her as “an extraordinary young woman,” beloved by all who knew her. Athletic Director Mark Misiak expressed the profound sadness felt across the campus, highlighting the tragedy of losing someone so promising at a young age.

The university plans to honor Smith by dedicating the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where students and staff can pay their respects and remember her legacy.