A tragic private plane crash in Copake, New York, on Saturday, April 12, claimed the lives of six people, including a former NCAA Woman of the Year and her family. The accident happened just past noon as the group was flying to celebrate Karenna Groff’s 25th birthday. The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, went down in a wooded area near the New York-Massachusetts border after encountering difficulties during approach.
The victims included Karenna Groff, a standout student-athlete; her parents, Dr. Michael Groff, a respected neurosurgeon, and Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; her brother, Jared Groff, a young legal professional; Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, a fellow student at Swarthmore College; and Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro, an MIT graduate.
According to aviation officials, the group had taken off from White Plains, New York, and was en route to Columbia County Airport. Reports state that the pilot, Michael Groff, who was also the aircraft’s owner, contacted air traffic control shortly before the crash. He reported missing the initial approach and asked for clearance to attempt another landing. Shortly after, he received a warning about the plane’s low altitude—but then fell silent.
Witnesses in the area described hearing the sound of the aircraft before it descended rapidly and crashed into a field. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) later confirmed that the plane was largely intact when it hit the ground, but the speed and angle of descent were catastrophic.
Karenna Groff had been widely admired for both her athletic and academic excellence. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she had excelled as a soccer player and was honored with the NCAA Woman of the Year award in 2022. She was deeply involved in volunteer work, co-founding a project to deliver personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who knew her described her as driven, compassionate, and deeply committed to making a positive impact in the world.
Her partner, James Santoro, was also an MIT graduate and was reportedly planning to propose this summer. Friends described them as inseparable and said the trip was meant to be both a birthday celebration and a chance to spend time with family during Passover.
The family had strong ties to the medical and academic communities. Dr. Michael Groff served on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and had decades of experience in the field of neurosurgery. Dr. Joy Saini, known for her expertise and compassion in women’s health, practiced urogynecology and was respected by both peers and patients.
The sudden loss of this accomplished and closely bonded family has sent waves of grief through multiple communities—from universities and hospitals to sports teams and local neighborhoods. A statement released by surviving family members expressed heartbreak and requested privacy while they grieve. They described the victims as “kind, passionate, and generous people whose lives were full of promise.”
The NTSB has begun a full investigation into the cause of the crash. While the weather was reportedly cloudy and windy at the time, it remains unclear whether those conditions contributed directly to the incident. Investigators are reviewing flight data, air traffic recordings, and the aircraft’s maintenance history. A preliminary report is expected within a few weeks, but a final report may take a year or more.
As the nation reacts to this tragic event, many are remembering Karenna and her family not only for their achievements but for the joy and care they brought to others. Friends, former classmates, and colleagues have taken to social media to share memories and condolences, celebrating lives lived with purpose and passion.
In the face of such a devastating loss, their story remains a reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting influence of people who strive to do good in the world.
