May 16, 2026, 1:45 p.m.
Tragic news
To the campus community:
It is with heavy hearts that we share the identity of the SUNY Potsdam student who was struck and killed by a vehicle near campus early this morning.
With permission from her family, we are able to share that the student was Emily Smith ’28, a sophomore business administration major from Greenville, N.Y. Emily was a transfer student and a member of the SUNY Potsdam Bears Women’s Basketball Team. In her first year here at SUNY Potsdam, she was already excelling academically, being named to the Dean’s List, and had built a tight knit circle of friends and mentors.
Emily was with teammates and friends at the time of the incident, and many more friends, classmates, coaches and supporters joined together with her family while she was at the hospital. We mourn Emily’s loss as one campus community, and hold her family, friends, and loved ones in our hearts at this difficult time.
We wish to thank all of the law enforcement agencies who are continuing to work so hard on this investigation, including Potsdam Village Police, University Police and New York State Police.
SUNY Potsdam has designated the Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space for members of the campus community. All will be welcome to leave flowers or items in her memory and to sign a memorial placard in honor of Emily.
We will keep the campus community updated on plans to remember Emily with a special commemoration at a later date.
While the campus community grieves this tremendous loss, please continue to support one another and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
The SUNY Potsdam College Counseling Center is setting up drop-in sessions for students, faculty and staff on campus.
For students who have already left campus, and anyone else who needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of the 24-hour crisis lines on call:
Crisis Text Line:
Text Got5 or HOME to 741741
St. Lawrence County Crisis Helpline - Citizen Advocates:
(315) 265-2422
Sincerely,
Suzanne R. Smith, Ph.D.
President
SUNY Potsdam
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May 16, 2026, 9:05 a.m.
SUNY Potsdam Alert: Incident update / Pierrepont Avenue cleared
Pierrepont Avenue is now clear for traffic, and guests and graduate will be able to access campus for today's Commencement ceremony.
SUNY Potsdam is deeply saddened to report that the victim in the hit and run incident was our student. We will send more information about them and arrangements in their honor later today.
This fatal incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian took place on Pierrepont Avenue at approximately 3:37 a.m. this morning.
The Potsdam Police Department is leading this active investigation, with help from New York State Police and University Police. The vehicle believed to have been associated with this incident has been located. If you have any additional information to report, please call 911 or contact Village Police at (315) 265-2121.
Commencement is still taking place as scheduled at SUNY Potsdam today, Saturday, May 16, at 10:15 a.m., in the Academic Quad. Graduates and guests will mark a moment of silence as we absorb this tragic news as one campus community.
We know this news is distressing, and we appreciate your patience and your empathy during this ongoing investigation and response.
The SUNY Potsdam College Counseling Center has set up a drop-in session today, which is available for students, faculty and staff needing support. The session will be held in the Counseling Center, located in Van Housen Hall, beginning at 8 a.m. today.
For students who have already left campus, and anyone else who needs support, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of the 24-hour crisis lines on call:
Crisis Text Line:
Text Got5 or HOME to 741741
St. Lawrence County Crisis Helpline - Citizen Advocates:
(315) 265-2422
We will continue to provide updates.
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SUNY Potsdam Alert: Incident update
May 16, 2026, 8 a.m.
SUNY Potsdam is deeply saddened to report that the victim in the hit and run incident near campus has died. This fatal incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian took place on Pierrepont Avenue at approximately 3:37 a.m. this morning.
The Potsdam Police Department is on the scene and leading this active investigation, with help from New York State Police and University Police. They are searching for a black older model GM truck or sport utility vehicle, with heavy front end damage. The suspect fled the scene south on Route 56 and is believed to have turned east onto Garfield Road in the Town of Potsdam.
If you have any information to report, please call 911, contact Village Police at (315) 265-2121, or call University Police at (315) 267-2222.
Commencement is still taking place as scheduled at SUNY Potsdam today, Saturday, May 16, at 10:15 a.m., in the Academic Quad. However, guests and graduates should expect delays with entering campus, as law enforcement are continuing their investigation of the scene at this time.
We know this news is distressing, and we appreciate your patience and your empathy during this ongoing investigation and response.
The SUNY Potsdam College Counseling Center has set up a drop-in session today, which is available for students, faculty and staff needing support. The session will be held in the Counseling Center, located in Van Housen Hall, beginning at 8 a.m. today.
We will continue to provide information as we are able.
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SUNY Potsdam Alert: Pierrepont Avenue closure
May 16, 2026, 6:05 a.m.
The Potsdam Police Department is currently investigating a serious hit and run incident involving a pedestrian that occurred earlier this morning on Pierrepont Avenue near the SUNY Potsdam campus at approximately 3:37 a.m.
The suspect fled the scene south on Route 56 and is believed to have turned east onto Garfield Road in the Town of Potsdam. The vehicle is believed to be a black older model GM pickup truck, with heavy front end damage. Anyone with information is asked to call the Potsdam Police Department at (315) 265-2121 or University Police at (315) 267-2222.
Commencement is still taking place as scheduled at SUNY Potsdam today, Saturday, May 16, at 10:15 a.m., in the Academic Quad. However, guests and graduates should expect delays with entering campus, as law enforcement are continuing their investigation of the accident scene at this time.
SUNY Potsdam will continue to share information on this incident as we are able.