ALBANY, NY – Alexa Kropf, a 19-year-old student at the University of Albany, is in a coma following a hit-and-run incident involving an unlicensed dirt bike. The incident took place just past midnight on April 27, as confirmed by both her family and the Albany Police Department.
The Long Island native has shown marginal signs of recovery after undergoing several surgeries this week. Once her condition allows, she will be airlifted back home. Her father, Jim Kropf, has described the ordeal as a dreadful nightmare no parent should have to endure.
Alexa’s injuries are extensive, including two brain surgeries to alleviate bleeding and swelling, according to her father. She also has fractures in her pelvis, two broken bones in her lower right leg, five broken ribs, and bruised lungs.
Jim Kropf speaks of his daughter as a loving, responsible, and diligent young woman who is a role model to her younger siblings. Seeing his daughter in her current state, with her head partially shaved and staples visible from surgeries, is emotionally taxing, he admitted.
The Albany police are actively searching for the male suspect, who was reportedly speeding on an illegal dirt bike and weaving through crowds on Hudson Avenue when he struck Alexa. The force of the collision threw Alexa into the air, landing her several feet away.
Jim Kropf expressed his gratitude towards Alexa’s friends who quickly called for help during the incident. The suspect, after initially falling off the bike, allegedly made an obscene gesture at the group before escaping the scene.
Alexa was in critical condition upon her arrival at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Jim Kropf expressed his thanks to the medical staff of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), the Ronald McDonald House for providing accommodations for his family, and local law enforcement. A GoFundMe campaign titled “UAlbany Alexa Kropf Hit and Run” has been established to assist with Alexa’s recovery.
On May 2, the Albany County Sheriff’s Department reportedly carried out an operation against illegal bikes, confiscating 10 in the process. They also issued 21 traffic violations and made two arrests for unlicensed operation. The growing issue of illegal or unlicensed bikes and mopeds has been a significant concern in major cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C.
The Albany Police Traffic and Safety Division is appealing to the public for any information about the hit-and-run incident. Anonymous tipsters can submit information via the Capital Region Crime Stoppers website or the free P3 Tips mobile app.