A Long Island college student is fighting for her life after a dirt biker smashed into her near her upstate university campus and left her with brain injuries just two weeks before the freshman was set to head home.
Alexa Kropf, an 18-year-old student at the University of Albany, was struck by the deranged motorist at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday morning in the Pine Hills neighborhood — known for its college social scene. The driver fled the scene without stopping.
The teen, who suffered brain swelling and multiple fractures to her leg and pelvis, was placed in a medically induced coma at Albany Medical Center Hospital after doctors performed two surgeries to remove blood and fluid from around her brain.
Her father, Jim Kropf, told Times Union that “the next few days are crucial” as family and friends pray for her speedy recovery.
Police say Kropf was hit by a male riding a dirt bike on Hudson Avenue who had been weaving through groups of people at a high speed when he collided into her.
The college freshman was thrown several feet away from where she had been struck and the motorist fled the scene before Albany Police arrived.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins said they’d use “every resource” including local, county, state and federal law enforcement to track him down. No arrests have been made as yet.
In 2021, the city banned ATVs and dirt bikes on any street, sidewalk, or public park after an uptick of speed-related incidents.
Despite the law, Kropf became the latest victim of the crime.
Her father told the Times Union that his daughter was enjoying her first year, and getting ready for finals to be finished before heading home to Floral Park this week.
“This guy decided to take that away from her,” he said while praising the prompt action taken by her friends.
“They did a phenomenal job calling 911 and getting her to the hospital. That’s probably why she even has a chance right now.”
A GoFundMe campaign started for the Long Island teen has raised close to $52,000 as of Monday night.
“Alexa is going to need multiple surgeries and will have a very long recovery,” a post to the GoFundMe page read.
“She will need to be medevaced home when she is stable enough. Roni (Kropf’s mom) will need to be by her side and will need assistance with medical bills and will be out of work as well.”
Kropf’s father visited the crime scene where his daughter was struck saying he “knows there are cameras in the area” that could prove useful in the case.
“It would be best if the police found him first,” before he does, Jim Kropf said adding his disgust in the driver’s “total disregard for everybody.”
“No family should ever have to go through something like this,” he said.
For now, he’s staying by his daughter’s bedside before they can eventually bring her closer to home.
“Her brain is the main concern,” he said.