Penn State Student Charged with Vehicular Homicide After Death of Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre

A Penn State University student from the United Arab Emirates is facing vehicular homicide charges after allegedly hitting and killing another student with his vehicle. Ahmed Alqubaisi, 20, has been charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, and other charges following the incident in State College.

The tragic accident occurred on September 12 along East Park Avenue when State College police responded to a pedestrian and vehicle collision. Lovisa Arnesson-Cronhamre, a 25-year-old international PSU student from Sweden, was hit by a BMW M3 driven by Alqubaisi. Despite life-saving measures performed at the scene and her subsequent transportation to Mount Nittany Medical Center before being flown to UPMC Altoona, she succumbed to her injuries.

According to the criminal complaint filed by police, Arnesson-Cronhamre was thrown approximately 80 feet upon impact. She suffered severe injuries including a brain bleed, broken neck, shattered right arm, and a broken left foot.

Alqubaisi held a PA Identification card/PA Learners Permit but did not have a licensed driver accompanying him at the time of the crash. He is also an international student at Penn State according to authorities who spoke with him during their investigation.

Through witness statements and surveillance footage analysis provided by multiple sources including intramural gyms near where Alqubaisi had just left prior to the incident; investigators were able to piece together what happened that evening. The video footage showed Arnesson-Cronhamre jogging on the south side of the frame when Alqubaisi's vehicle appeared. Initially driving normally as observed in the footage; however suddenly entering an "uncontrolled state." The affidavit states that Alqubaisi's car veered into opposing traffic lanes striking various objects such as water standpipes and light poles before ultimately colliding with Arnesson-Cronhamre. His car then hit a tree before coming to a stop.

The Centre County Accident Reconstruction Team, in collaboration with local police, determined that several factors contributed to the crash and subsequent death of Arnesson-Cronhamre. Weather conditions at the time were rainy with wet roadways, which likely affected Alqubaisi's ability to control his vehicle. The area where the incident occurred is known for its high volume of vehicles and pedestrians due to its proximity to Penn State University. Additionally, Alqubaisi's limited driving experience was cited as another contributing factor.

In addition to vehicular homicide charges, Alqubaisi is also facing recklessly endangering another person, careless driving resulting in unintentional death, and driving at an unsafe speed.

Bail has been denied for Alqubaisi due to concerns about him leaving Pennsylvania since he has no ties to the state. He has also been suspended from the university pending further investigation into the incident. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 27th.

This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and being mindful of weather conditions while on the road.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one was a victim in this or a similar accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

If you would like to speak with an attorney about your potential case, we can connect you with an experienced injury lawyer who will provide you with a free, no-obligation case consultation - an attorney who will advance all case costs and will not collect a fee unless they win your case. Click here to get connected.