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
