On the early morning of Saturday, May 3, 2025, the lives of two individuals, 38-year-old Alex S. Morehouse of Warrensburg and 38-year-old Suzie J. Etu of South Glens Falls, were tragically cut short in a motorcycle crash that followed a brief police pursuit in Glens Falls, New York. The incident has left the local community in mourning and has drawn attention to the dangers of high-speed pursuits, motorcycle safety, and law enforcement response protocols.

Incident Overview

The tragic events unfolded at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, when members of the New York State Police initiated a traffic stop on Route 9 near Hidden Farm Road in Queensbury. Troopers attempted to pull over a motorcycle for speeding, but the rider, later identified as Alex Morehouse, failed to comply and accelerated away, sparking a brief pursuit. Despite the pursuit, troopers discontinued their chase near the intersection of Route 9 and Lafayette Street, citing safety concerns due to the high speed of the motorcycle and the risk to public safety.

While the police had called off the pursuit, the motorcycle continued its erratic journey into Glens Falls. At approximately 12:23 a.m., Morehouse’s motorcycle struck a curb at the intersection of Bacon Street and Glen Street, near the Chapman Museum. The impact of the crash was catastrophic. Both the rider and his passenger were thrown from the motorcycle, and emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Victims Identified

Tragically, the crash resulted in the deaths of both Morehouse and Etu. Alex S. Morehouse, the rider of the motorcycle, was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. Suzie J. Etu, who was a passenger on the motorcycle, was rushed to Glens Falls Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Etu’s passing has particularly devastated the community, where she was known for her warm personality and dedication to her family and career.

Suzie Etu, a graduate of Oswego High School, had recently worked as a certified nursing assistant and was a hairdresser by trade. Her friends and family remember her as someone with a heart of gold. She is survived by her husband, two children, her mother, four siblings, and extended family members. The family is left to grieve her sudden and violent death, and many are still coming to terms with the loss of someone who was a beloved member of the local community.

At this time, limited details have been released regarding Alex Morehouse’s background, though it is known that he was from Warrensburg, a town just outside Glens Falls. His involvement in the crash, and the fatal outcome, has left his family and friends mourning the loss of a loved one in a tragic and preventable manner.

Investigation and Response

In accordance with state protocol for incidents involving police pursuits, the New York State Attorney General’s office was notified and responded to the scene. The attorney general’s office regularly investigates situations like this one to ensure that law enforcement agencies are held accountable for the methods and protocols they use during police pursuits. In this case, the investigation was initiated by the New York State Police, and as of now, no new details have been released regarding the precise cause of the crash or the actions taken by the officers during the pursuit.

The investigation is likely focused on a few key areas: the decision to pursue the motorcycle, the speed at which the motorcycle was traveling, and the safety measures implemented by law enforcement during the pursuit. As the investigation progresses, it will be important to assess whether the actions of the police were consistent with departmental policies and the risks involved in high-speed chases.

The crash follows a growing concern regarding motorcycle safety in the Queensbury and Glens Falls areas. Fatal motorcycle accidents are unfortunately not rare, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of motorcyclists, particularly when high speeds and dangerous conditions are involved.

This fatal accident adds to a disturbing trend in the region. On April 24, 2025, just a week before this incident, 26-year-old Dylan Calabrese of Fort Edward lost his life in a collision with an SUV at the intersection of Quaker Road and Lafayette Street in Queensbury. That crash is still under investigation by the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, with no charges filed yet. The proximity of the two incidents has drawn attention to the risks that motorcyclists face in this region, and it has also raised questions about road safety measures, including signage, speed enforcement, and public awareness.

Motorcycle Safety and Risks

Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicle crashes due to the lack of physical protection for riders. Unlike cars or trucks, which have crumple zones and airbags, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable in the event of a collision. Even with helmets and protective gear, riders are at significant risk of injury or death when involved in an accident. Motorcycle crashes, particularly at high speeds, often result in severe head trauma, internal injuries, and fractures that can be fatal.

In the case of the crash involving Morehouse and Etu, the speed of the motorcycle likely played a key role in the severity of the collision. The fact that the motorcycle struck a curb with such force indicates that the rider was traveling at a high speed, and the lack of protective barriers or safety features on the bike made the crash far more lethal. Although the specifics of Morehouse’s riding history and experience have not been disclosed, many motorcycle crashes are linked to rider error, impaired judgment, or environmental factors.

The increasing popularity of motorcycles, particularly in the warmer months, has led to a rise in accidents across the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities have been on the rise in recent years, with factors such as impaired riding, speed, and lack of protective gear contributing to the alarming trend. While motorcyclists represent only 3% of the total vehicles on U.S. roads, they account for a disproportionate number of fatalities. In 2019, motorcyclists were 29 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled, according to NHTSA data.

Law Enforcement and Pursuits

The role of law enforcement in high-speed pursuits is a contentious issue. While police chases are sometimes necessary to apprehend dangerous criminals, they come with significant risks for both officers and civilians. In this case, the pursuit of Morehouse’s motorcycle led to a fatal crash just minutes after police called off the chase. The decision to stop the pursuit may have been a prudent one, as high-speed chases often lead to catastrophic crashes, especially when the fleeing vehicle is a motorcycle. Police departments across the country have adopted various policies regarding pursuits, with many departments now requiring officers to assess the risks before engaging in chases.

In this case, it is unclear whether the officers were following appropriate protocols when they initiated the chase, but the fact that they quickly called it off due to safety concerns may reflect a growing awareness of the risks associated with such pursuits. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), police pursuits have become a focal point for law enforcement agencies, with many jurisdictions revisiting their pursuit policies to ensure that officers are making informed, prudent decisions in high-speed chase situations.

Community Impact and Response

The impact of this crash on the community of Glens Falls, Queensbury, and surrounding areas has been profound. Residents have expressed sorrow over the loss of life and concern about the factors that led to the crash. In particular, the deaths of Alex Morehouse and Suzie Etu, both of whom were well-known in their communities, have left a significant emotional toll on friends and family.

The loss of young lives in such a violent, preventable manner often sparks public outcry and calls for changes in both law enforcement and traffic safety policies. In this case, the deaths of Morehouse and Etu have prompted renewed conversations about the role of police in high-speed pursuits, the need for improved motorcycle safety measures, and the responsibilities of both riders and law enforcement officers to minimize the risks associated with high-speed chases.

Conclusion

The deaths of Alex S. Morehouse and Suzie J. Etu in the motorcycle crash in Glens Falls, New York, serve as a tragic reminder of the inherent dangers of high-speed pursuits and the vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road. As the investigation continues, questions remain about the circumstances leading to the crash, the actions of the police, and the overall safety of the community. However, the aftermath of the incident has also sparked important conversations about the role of law enforcement, the risks of motorcycle riding, and the steps that can be taken to prevent future tragedies on the road. While the answers to these questions will continue to unfold, the legacy of Morehouse and Etu will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew them and in the ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety for all.