POTSDAM, N.Y. — An 18-year-old New York man is facing multiple criminal charges, including driving while intoxicated, 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 after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle.

Authorities identified the victim as 20-year-old Emily Mae Smith of Greenville, New York. Smith, a student at SUNY Potsdam, was transported to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained in the crash.

Investigators said the driver fled the scene immediately following the collision, prompting a large-scale investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

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 have 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 before being 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 that additional charges could still be filed as the investigation continues.

The Potsdam Police Department was assisted in 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 majoring in business administration and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears women’s basketball team.

In a statement released with permission from her family, SUNY Potsdam described Smith as a dedicated student-athlete who had already made a meaningful impact on campus during her first year at the university. Officials said she earned Dean’s List honors while building close friendships and strong relationships with classmates, coaches, and mentors.

University officials stated that Smith was with teammates and friends at the time of the crash, and many students, family members, coaches, and supporters gathered at the hospital following the tragedy.

To honor Smith’s memory, SUNY Potsdam designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space where members of the campus community can leave flowers, messages, and other tributes.

The university also announced that counseling and mental health support services are being made available to students, faculty, and staff grieving the loss.

Authorities continue to ask anyone with information related to the fatal hit-and-run crash to contact the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121.