Copake, New York – Tributes are pouring in for the victims of a tragic private plane crash in upstate New York. The incident claimed the lives of six individuals, including a close-knit family of physicians and accomplished student athletes on their way to celebrate a 25th birthday in the Catskills.
The twin-engine aircraft, identified as a Mitsubishi MU-2B, crashed in a muddy field near the Massachusetts state line. The passengers included Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player who was recently named the NCAA Woman of the Year, her father Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist, her mother Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist, and Karenna’s boyfriend James Santoro. Also onboard were Karenna’s brother and his girlfriend.
James Santoro, the father of one of the victims, described the Groff family as “wonderful” individuals who had the potential to make a significant impact in the world. Karenna Groff was a standout soccer player at MIT and a co-founder of openPPE, a project that developed innovative masks for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After earning the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award in 2023, Groff and Santoro had relocated to Manhattan, where Groff pursued medical school at New York University and Santoro worked for a hedge fund in Connecticut. The group boarded the private plane piloted by Michael Groff from an airport in White Plains, New York, en route to Columbia County Airport before the crash occurred.
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board expected to provide updates. Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are being made for the victims, as loved ones mourn the loss of the promising individuals who were on board the ill-fated flight. The tragedy has left a deep impact on the community, with heartfelt tributes continuing to pour in for the victims and their families.
In the wake of this devastating event, the community is coming together to support one another and remember the lives lost in the tragic accident. As the investigation progresses, more details will emerge about the circumstances surrounding the crash, shedding light on what led to the untimely loss of the six individuals on board.
The outpouring of support and condolences from across the country is a testament to the impact that the victims had on their communities and the legacy they leave behind. The Groff family, with their remarkable achievements and dedication to helping others, will be remembered for their contributions to society and the indelible mark they have left on those who knew and admired them.