Teen driver charged after SUNY Potsdam women's basketball captain dies in hit-and-run

A State University of New York (SUNY) Potsdam women's basketball player has been killed after police allege an 18-year-old struck her with his car and fled the scene in an early morning hit-and-run.

The incident

Emily Mae Smith, 20, of Greenville, New York, died in the early hours of Saturday morning after being struck by a vehicle near Pierrepont Avenue in Potsdam, according to a release from the Potsdam Police Department.

Officers responded to the scene at approximately 3:37 a.m. following reports of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Smith was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.

The arrest

Authorities said the suspect vehicle — later identified as an older-model black Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage — fled the scene immediately after the crash.

At approximately 7:25 a.m., officers located the vehicle travelling on US Route 11 east of the village of Potsdam and took the driver, Jakob D. Krise, 18, of Brasher Falls, New York, into custody without incident.

Krise has been charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, zero tolerance drink-driving whilst intoxicated, and driving across hazard markings.

He was arraigned in the Town of Pierrepont Court and released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on Wednesday, with additional charges remaining possible as the investigation continues.

A promising student and team captain

Smith was a sophomore business administration major and transfer student who served as captain of the women's basketball team.

SUNY Potsdam President Dr Suzanne Smith paid tribute in a statement: "In her first year here at SUNY Potsdam, Emily was already excelling academically, being named to the Dean's List, and had built a tight-knit circle of friends and mentors."

Head coach Brittney Cohen described Smith as "an extraordinary young woman." "I am heartbroken by the loss of our captain, Emily," Cohen said.

"She was an extraordinary young woman, beloved by her teammates, coaches and everyone she met. Her presence will be greatly missed."

Athletic director Mark Misiak added: "We are heartbroken and devastated by the news of Emily's passing. To lose such a bright soul at such a young age is a tragedy."

The university announced that Jerry Welsh Gymnasium would serve as a memorial space for students, teammates, and members of the campus community wishing to leave flowers and messages in Smith's honour.