Emily Mae Smith Remembered After Fatal Potsdam Graduation Morning Crash In Potsdam, New York, On May 16, 2026
Emily Mae Smith, a 20-year-old SUNY Potsdam student and Bears basketball athlete from Greenville, New York, died after a crash on Pierrepont Avenue in Potsdam around 3:37 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Authorities said the involved driver left the area south on State Route 56 and later turned east onto Garfield Road before officers located the vehicle and took the driver into custody.
Smith had transferred from SUNY Plattsburgh, earned Dean’s List recognition after one year at SUNY Potsdam, and built close ties with teammates, coaches, classmates, friends, and family.
SUNY Potsdam President Suzanne Smith addressed the loss during commencement that same morning in the Academic Quad, where graduates and families paused in remembrance.
The school opened Jerry Welsh Gymnasium as a memorial space for flowers, mementos, and messages in Smith’s memory.
Memorial service details and funeral arrangements will be announced later by family members.
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