Farther of UAlbany student hit by dirt bike speaks out
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Just after midnight a crowd of students were gathered on the 400 block of Hudson Avenue in Albany. Police say a dirt bike operator started weaving through the crowd of students when he struck 18-year-old Alexa Kropf, sending her flying through the air. She was left on the road while the dirt bike operator fled the scene. The young student is at Albany Medical Center with multiple fractures and head trauma.
“We have no choice you have to take this hour by hour,” said Jim Kropf.
It's been an unimaginable few days for the family of Alexa. “She has been placed in a medically induced coma,” said her father.
Alexa Kropf’s father tells NEWS10 that the family was expecting Alexa home after finals, this week. He says now they are just hoping to get her to a hospital that's closer to their Long Island home as soon as possible. He is also saying that he’s very frustrated with the city’s current stance on the laws regarding dirt bikes.
“If the laws aren't put into effect correctly and you know, handled, then what's the point of putting them in place, right?” Jim saying he's more concerned with getting the riders off the streets. “There are no license plates. They're riding around like ten-year-old kids sharing regular bicycles, back in the day. You know, in the park.”
Jacob Goldstein, a Sales Manager at GT Toyz sells these types of bikes, says they are not toys. “They range anywhere from the little ones; I'd say anywhere from 150 pounds all the way up to 300 pounds per vehicle. It's a very big vehicle and it can cause a lot of damage if not use properly.”
Common Council Member Owusu Anane represents the neighborhood where Alexa was run down. “No matter where you live, you should have the right to safe streets, we have seen some of the lawlessness that happens with a dirt bike riding on the city parks and city sidewalks,” said Anane.
He says he wants a more appropriate punishment and thinks the laws need to be addressed at the state level. “Their driver's license needs to be revoked for five years. So, we need to send out a harsher message,” suggested Anane.
Albany Police Spokesperson Megan Craft tells NEWS10 police are doing all they can and more. “We're exploring different ways to address these incidents. We will be utilizing all available technology and resources to further enhance enforcement,” said Craft.
Meanwhile, Jim Kropf says the Kropf family is thankful for all the community support for his daughter. “The continuing outpouring of love and support from everyone, even people that we don't even know. And it's just been like I said, it's been incredible, absolutely incredible that all the people have been reaching out. And again, we can't speak highly enough of Albany Medical Center,” said Jim.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help with Alexa's medical bills.