This past weekend, a devastating plane crash in Copake, New York, claimed the lives of six passengers, including two young couples and their parents. The group, consisting of close-knit siblings Karenna Groff and Jared Groff, their parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, and their partners, were en route to celebrate Karenna's 25th birthday when tragedy struck.
Karenna Groff, a former collegiate soccer star at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was looking forward to a joyous milestone as she planned to get engaged to her longtime boyfriend, investment banker James Santoro. Her brother, Jared Groff, a 26-year-old former basketball player at Swarthmore College, was also planning to propose to his girlfriend, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, who was set to begin her studies at Harvard Law School this fall.
On Saturday, the twin-engine plane, piloted by Dr. Michael Groff, departed from the Boston suburbs early in the morning. After picking up Karenna and James at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, they proceeded towards the Catskills. Tragically, shortly before noon, the plane crashed into a muddy field.
According to officials, Dr. Groff communicated with air traffic control at Columbia County Airport, indicating he had missed the initial landing approach. While the air traffic controllers prepared new landing coordinates, they attempted to warn the pilot of low-altitude conditions but received no response. During a briefing on Monday, Todd Inman, an official from the National Transportation Safety Board, noted that overcast conditions might have affected visibility, although the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
The Groff family was well-regarded in their community, with both parents celebrated as distinguished surgeons. “They were all so accomplished, but it was never about their accomplishments,” John Santoro, James's father, shared with The Associated Press. Their youngest daughter, Anika, was not on the flight, sparing her from the tragedy.
Karenna Groff was recognized as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022 for her remarkable achievements in athletics and academics, including her research on epilepsy and global health. After completing her master’s degree in biomedical engineering, she and James moved to Manhattan, where they often hosted gatherings for family and friends.
Friends of Michael Groff described him as an experienced pilot who had been flying since his teenage years. He had even completed an additional safety course for flying high-performance planes in October. Friends remember him as a warm and devoted father, while Jared's friends highlighted his optimistic spirit and athletic prowess, having scored over 1,000 points during his high school basketball career.
Jared's girlfriend, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, was passionate about immigration law, motivated by her upbringing on the Colombia-Venezuela border. Her sister, Maria Claudia Couyutas Duarte, emphasized the impact of Alexia's experiences, stating, “She saw what she had here as a privilege to support others who needed us.” Only a day before the crash, Alexia attended an accepted students event at Harvard Law School, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
As authorities work to recover the wreckage of the aircraft, which is expected to be completely extracted by Tuesday night, a preliminary report on the crash's causes will be made available within 30 days. The tragic incident has left a profound impact on the community, sparking an outpouring of grief and raising important questions about aviation safety.
The Groff family was not just known for their professional success but also for their loving connections and contributions to their community. Their loss is felt deeply by family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
