A Long Island college student is fighting for his life after sustaining a brain injury after being hit by a dirt biker near the university’s campus in the upstate, just two weeks before the freshman is due to return home.
Alexa Kropf, 18, a University at Albany student, was hit by a deranged driver around 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the Pine Hills neighborhood, known for the university’s social scene. The driver fled the scene without stopping.
The teen, who suffered brain swelling and multiple fractures to her legs and pelvis, was admitted to Albany Medical after doctors performed two surgeries to remove blood and fluid from around her brain. He was placed in a medically induced coma at Center Hospital.
Her father, Jim Kropp, told the Times Union Family and friends wished her a speedy recovery and said “the next few days are critical.”
Police said Klopf was struck by a man on a dirt bike weaving through a crowd of people at high speed on Hudson Street.
The college freshman was thrown several feet away from the crash, and the driver fled the scene before Albany police arrived.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins said they would use “all resources” to pursue him, including local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies. No arrests have been made yet.
In 2021, the city banned ATVs and dirt bikes from all roads, sidewalks and public parks due to an increase in speed-related accidents.
Despite the law, Klopf became the latest victim of the crime.
Her father told the Times Union that his daughter is enjoying her first year and is preparing to finish her finals before heading home to Floral Park this week.
“This man decided to take that away from her,” he said, praising the quick action taken by her friends.
“They did a great job of calling 911 and transporting her to the hospital. Maybe that’s why she has a chance now.”
A GoFundMe campaign started for the Long Island teenager had raised nearly $52,000 as of Monday night.
“Alexa will require multiple surgeries and will have a very long recovery,” a post on the GoFundMe page said.
“Once she is stable enough, she will need to be recuperated at home. Roni (Kropf’s mother) will need to be by her side, she will need help with medical expenses, and she will not have a job.”
Klopf’s father visited the scene where his daughter was hit and said he was “aware of cameras in the area” that could help in the case.
Jim Kropf added his disgust at the driver’s “complete disregard for everyone” and said, “It would be best if the police found him first.”
“No family should ever go through an experience like this,” he said.
For now, he remains at his daughter’s bedside until he finally brings her closer to home.
“Her brain is the biggest concern,” he says.
