Crime
SUNY Potsdam student Emily Smith dies after being struck by car
POTSDAM, N.Y. — Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old suspect following a fatal hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a SUNY Potsdam student early Saturday morning.
According to the Potsdam Police Department, officers responded at approximately 3:37 a.m. on May 16, 2026, to the area of Pierrepont Avenue for reports of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
The victim was identified as 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, New York. Authorities said Smith was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained in the collision.
Police said the driver fled the scene immediately after the crash.
During the investigation, officers developed information identifying the suspect vehicle as an older-model black Cadillac Escalade with front-end damage.
At approximately 7:25 a.m., authorities located the suspect vehicle traveling on U.S. Route 11 east of the Village of Potsdam. Police identified the driver as 18-year-old Jakob D. Krise of Brasher Falls, New York.
Officials said Krise was taken into custody without incident.
Authorities charged Krise with:
- Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash resulting in death
- Zero Tolerance Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- Driving across hazard markings
Police said Krise was arraigned in Town of Pierrepont Court and later released under probation supervision. He is scheduled to appear in Potsdam Town Court on May 20, 2026.
Investigators noted that the case remains active and additional charges could still be filed.
The Potsdam Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the New York State Police, SUNY Potsdam Police, and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
University officials later confirmed that Emily Smith was a sophomore business administration major and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears women’s basketball team.
In a statement released with permission from her family, the university described Smith as a transfer student who had already made a major impact on campus during her first year. Officials said she excelled academically, earning Dean’s List recognition, while also building strong friendships and mentorships within the campus community.
University officials said Smith was with teammates and friends at the time of the incident, and many classmates, coaches, supporters, and family members gathered at the hospital following the tragedy.
To honor her memory, SUNY Potsdam designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where students, faculty, staff, and community members can leave flowers, personal items, and messages in tribute to Smith.
The university also announced that counseling services and support sessions are being made available for students, faculty, and staff as the campus community mourns the devastating loss.
Authorities are continuing to ask anyone with information related to the fatal hit-and-run crash to contact the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.