A promising college athlete, 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith, tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run incident, according to the police.
Smith, originally from Greenville, New York, was struck by a vehicle in the early hours of Saturday near Pierrepont Avenue in Potsdam, as reported by the Potsdam Police Department.
She was pursuing a degree in business administration and had recently transferred to the State University of New York (SUNY).
SUNY Potsdam President, Dr. Suzanne Smith, shared that Emily was making significant strides in her academic journey during her first year, earning a spot on the Dean’s List and forming strong bonds with peers and mentors.
TEEN DRIVER FACING CHARGES FOR FATAL HIT-AND-RUN INVOLVING THREE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA STUDENTS
In the early hours of Saturday, Emily Smith, a dedicated sophomore on the SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball team, was fatally hit by a car near the university campus. Hailing from Greenville, New York, she was committed to her studies in business administration.
Police said the rising basketball star was walking when she was struck by a older-model black Cadillac Escalade. Police responded to the area around 3:37 a.m. Saturday.
Smith was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital where she was pronounced dead from her injuries.
Authorities said the suspect vehicle fled immediately after the crash. At approximately 7:25 a.m., officers located the suspect vehicle traveling on U.S. Route 11 east of the village of Potsdam and took the driver, identified as Jakob D. Krise, 18, of Brasher Falls, New York, into custody without incident, according to the release.
Emily Smith was struck by a older-model black Cadillac Escalade on Pierrepont Avenue at about 3:37 a.m, and the vehicle left the scene immediately, police said. (A J Cunningham Funeral Homes Inc)
Krise has been charged with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, zero tolerance driving while intoxicated and driving across hazard markings, police said.
He was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and released under probation supervision. Authorities said he is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on Wednesday as the investigation remains active.
SUNY Potsdam said the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium will serve as a memorial space for members of the campus community to remember and honor Emily Smith. (Emily Smith/Instagram)
Potsdam’s head coach, Brittany 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.”
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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.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office for additional information.
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