Potsdam, NY (May 17, 2026) – A 20-year-old SUNY Potsdam student was killed early on Saturday morning, May 16, after being struck in a hit-and-run crash near the college campus in Potsdam.
According to local reports, the crash happened at approximately 3:37 a.m. when Emily Mae Smith, of Greenville, was struck by a vehicle near the SUNY Potsdam area. Emergency units responded to the scene and transported her to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Smith was a sophomore and a member of the SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team. School officials stated she had transferred from SUNY Plattsburgh and had previously earned Dean’s List recognition during her first year at Potsdam.
Authorities said the driver fled the scene following the collision. Hours later, police arrested 18-year-old Jakob D. Krise of Brasher Falls after locating him driving a black Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage. Investigators reported the suspect was taken into custody without incident around 7:25 a.m.
Officials said charges include leaving the scene of a fatal crash, driving while intoxicated under zero-tolerance laws, and traffic-related violations. The suspect was later arraigned and released under probation supervision as proceedings continue.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing evidence related to the crash.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.
How Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes Are Typically Investigated
Hit-and-run pedestrian cases are often treated as high-priority investigations due to the immediate need to identify the fleeing driver. Officers commonly begin by gathering witness statements, reviewing nearby surveillance footage, and examining physical evidence at the scene.
Vehicle debris, tire marks, and impact points can help investigators determine the direction and speed of the vehicle involved. In many cases, damage patterns on suspect vehicles later help confirm involvement.
Once a suspect is identified, authorities may also review driving behavior before and after the crash. These combined findings help reconstruct the sequence of events and establish accountability in fatal pedestrian incidents.
