ALBANY, NY – A 19-year-old University of Albany student, Alexa Kropf, is currently in a coma after being hit by an unlicensed dirt bike on April 27. Alexa’s family and the Albany Police Department confirmed the incident, which occurred shortly after midnight.
A resident of Long Island, Alexa has shown slight improvements following multiple surgeries this week. Once she is stable enough to be discharged from the hospital, she will be airlifted back home. Her father, Jim Kropf, described the situation as a parent’s worst nightmare.
Alexa sustained severe injuries, including two brain surgeries to address bleeding and swelling, according to her father. She also suffered fractures in her pelvis, two broken bones in her lower right leg, five broken ribs, and lung contusions.
Describing his daughter, Jim Kropf painted a picture of a loving, responsible, and hardworking young woman who is adored by her younger siblings. The sight of his daughter, her head partially shaved with visible staples from surgeries, is emotionally challenging, he said.
The Albany police are still on the hunt for the suspect, described as a male. He was reportedly riding the illegal dirt bike at high speed, weaving through groups of people on Hudson Avenue when he hit Alexa. The impact launched Alexa into the air, causing her to land several feet away.
Expressing gratitude for Alexa’s friends who promptly called for help, Jim Kropf recounted the horrifying incident. The suspect, after initially falling off the bike, reportedly made a rude gesture at the group before fleeing the scene.
Upon arrival at Albany Medical Center Hospital, Alexa was in critical condition. Jim Kropf expressed his gratitude 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 set up to aid in Alexa’s recovery.
On May 2, the Albany County Sheriff’s Department reportedly conducted an operation targeting illegal bikes, seizing 10 in the process. They also issued 21 traffic violations and made two arrests for unlicensed operation. The increasing prevalence of illegal or unlicensed bikes and mopeds has become a significant issue in major cities, including New York City and Washington, D.C.
The Albany Police Traffic and Safety Division is urging anyone with information about the hit-and-run incident to come forward. Anonymous tipsters can submit information via the Capital Region Crime Stoppers website or the free P3 Tips mobile app.