SUNY Potsdam women’s basketball guard Emily Smith died on Saturday, May 16, after she was struck by a vehicle in an alleged hit-and-run near campus, the school announced on Sunday, May 17. She was 20.
Potsdam police arrested the alleged driver, Jakob Krise, Saturday morning, according to North Country Now. Krise, 18, was reportedly driving a black Cadillac Escalade when he allegedly struck Smith while traveling on New York State Route 56. The car reportedly had visible front-end damage at the time of his arrest.
Krise faces charges of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death, zero tolerance driving while intoxicated and driving across hazardous markings. He was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Wednesday, May 20.
“I am heartbroken by the loss of our captain, Emily,” Potsdam head coach Brittany Cohen said in a statement. “She was an extraordinary young woman, beloved by her teammates, coaches and everyone she met. Her presence will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this very difficult time.
Smith spent one season with Potsdam after transferring from SUNY Plattsburgh. She appeared in 19 games for the Bears in 2025-26, and while she wasn’t a scorer, she made an impact on defense, tallying 24 steals and 24 blocks in that time.
A Dean’s List student, Smith was a business administration major on track to graduate in 2028.
“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,” university president Dr. Suzanne Smith said in a statement.
She added that Smith was with “teammates and friends” when the accident occurred, just hours before the university’s commencement ceremony. Many more friends then joined her in the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
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“We mourn Emily’s loss as one campus community, and hold her family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts at this difficult time,” Dr. Smith added.
The team said in a release that it will “share plans to remember Emily with a special commemoration” at a later date. In the meantime, the Bears’ home of Jerry Welsh Gymnasium will serve as a memorial space. All are welcome to leave flowers or other items there in her memory. University counseling services are also available to students, faculty and staff.
The Potsdam women’s basketball Instagram account posted a tribute to Emily on Sunday as friends and fans shared their condolences and memories of her in the comments. Even the Bears’ conference foes, Buffalo State University and Morrisville State University, shared messages of support from their athletics accounts.
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