Tesla driver was allegedly nearly three times over legal alcohol limit when she crashed and killed her best friend, then said she couldn’t remember it

Alejandra Paharsingh is currently facing vehicular manslaughter charges following a fatal crash in Midtown that claimed the life of her close friend, Elise Suomi. The incident reportedly occurred when the 2024 Tesla driven by Paharsingh left the roadway and struck a structure. Investigators from the NYPD determined that the vehicle mounted the sidewalk around, destroying a mailbox and ultimately slamming into scaffolding located on East 42nd Street.

As reported by the NY Post, the aftermath of this collision has left a community grieving, particularly those who knew Suomi, a resident of Harlem and a mother to a 3-year-old girl. Following the initial impact with the scaffolding, the vehicle reportedly continued to travel for several blocks before coming to a stop at the intersection of 42nd Street and Second Avenue. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Suomi to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.

According to reports from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Paharsingh, a 27-year-old Connecticut resident, was reportedly found to have a blood-alcohol level of .229 at the time of the incident. This reading is nearly three times the legal limit of .08 in New York. 

The driver claims she doesn’t remember driving the car

During the investigation, NYPD officer Thomas Dillon noted in a criminal complaint that he was present during an interview with the defendant. Officer Dillon stated, “I was present at the Midtown South interview room during an interview of the defendant, who admitted, in substance, to consuming multiple alcoholic beverages on the evening of September 8, 2026.”

The situation is particularly grim because the driver claims to have no recollection of the events that led to the death of her friend. The criminal complaint further recorded the defendant’s statement, noting, “The defendant further stated, in substance, that she did not remember driving the car on 42nd Street.” 

Paharsingh was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. During the proceedings, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office reportedly requested that she be held on $250,000 cash bail or a $750,000 bond. However, Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ultimately set the bail amount at $50,000. Paharsingh is reportedly being held on Rikers Island, and she is expected to return to court soon to address the charges against her.

Outside of Suomi’s apartment building in Harlem, friends and neighbors have gathered to pay their respects. A memorial has been established featuring blue and white candles, along with photographs of Suomi, including one depicting her with her young daughter. 

George Cartagema, a neighbor, shared his perspective on Suomi’s personality, stating, “She was a nice person.” He added, “She was very friend. She would help other people. Anything you need, if you’re hungry, she would always give you a plate of food. If you need clothes, she would give you what she can.”