On Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2023, a Penn State alert was sent out to students, informing the public that the section of Park Avenue, which ranges from Allen Road to Bigler Road, would be closed due to a traffic accident.
This accident was a pedestrian crash that resulted in the death of 25-year-old Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre. Arnesson-Cronhamre was an international student from Sweden who was earning her Doctorate in architectural engineering. There was a vigil at Foundry Park to honor Arnesson-Cronhamre, over one-hundred people attended.
Arnesson-Cronhamre was originally taken to Mount Nittany Medical Center, from there she was flown to UPMC Altoona. It is reported that she suffered a brain bleed, broken neck as well as several other broken limbs. She passed away at UPMC Altoona due to her injuries.
Ahmed Alqubaisi, age 20, was the driver of the BMW which hit Arnesson-Cronhamre. Alqubaisi is also an international student from the United Arab Emirates. While Alqubaisi had a four year learners permit and a PA identification card, he did not have a driver’s license at the time of the accident.
Alquabaisi was allegedly leaving the Intramural Building. Despite the wet roads and rain, footage shows that Alquabaisi was driving at a high speed. The affidavit stated that the BMW changed direction and shifted into the left lane. The BMW went onto the curb, hit a standpipe and a light pole and then struck Arenesson-Cronhamre. After hitting Arnesson-Cronhamre, the vehicle hit a tree, before coming to a complete stop.
Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the case, however, Alqubaisi is being charged with reckless endangerment, involuntary manslaughter as well as several other crimes. Alqubaisi was suspended from the University and was denied bail. His preliminary hearing later this month.
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