Elise Suomi Obituary, Manhattan, NY Death – Family and Friends Mourn 27-Year-Old Killed in Midtown Crash

Elise Suomi, 27, of Harlem, has died following a fatal crash in Midtown Manhattan early Wednesday morning, September 9, 2026. Suomi was a passenger in a Tesla that crashed into scaffolding near East 42nd Street and Madison Avenue before continuing several blocks and eventually coming to a stop near Second Avenue. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

According to authorities and prosecutors, the Tesla was being driven by 27-year-old Alejandra Paharsingh, who has been charged in connection with the crash. Prosecutors allege that Paharsingh was intoxicated when she was behind the wheel. Her reported blood alcohol level was .229, nearly three times New York’s legal limit of .08.

Paharsingh allegedly told investigators that she had consumed several alcoholic drinks the night before the crash and did not remember driving along East 42nd Street. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Bail was set at $50,000.

The crash occurred around 3 a.m. after the Tesla struck scaffolding, a mailbox and a bus stop pole. A witness who was riding a Citi Bike reportedly followed the vehicle and contacted police after seeing the crash. The witness also told investigators that the driver appeared to continue moving after the initial collision.

Suomi’s death has left friends, neighbors and loved ones grieving. ABC7 reported that she was a mother to a three-month-old baby and was remembered by those who knew her as a caring person.

A memorial was later established outside Suomi’s Harlem home, where friends and relatives gathered with photographs and candles to remember her life.

Her death has brought profound sadness to those who knew her, particularly as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Elise Suomi will be remembered by her loved ones and friends for the life she lived and the people she touched. Her family and those closest to her are now left to mourn a young life tragically cut short.