In a heartbreaking statement, the families of those involved in a recent plane crash expressed, “We will remember them as the six brilliant, dynamic, and loving people that they were.” This tragic incident occurred shortly after the group departed from Westchester County Airport in New York on Saturday morning, en route to the Columbia County Airport near the Massachusetts border. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman provided an update during a Sunday briefing, revealing that the crash took place around 12:06 p.m. in a “flat, agricultural field” located 10 miles from the intended destination.
According to Inman, the NTSB has obtained a video capturing the final moments before the crash, indicating that the twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B was intact but descended rapidly into the ground. NTSB investigator Albert Nixon noted that the pilot had reported a missed approach and subsequently requested a new approach plan from air traffic control. Despite attempts to contact the pilot three additional times regarding a low altitude alert, there was no response or distress call from the aircraft.
The investigation into this tragic incident is expected to last approximately one week at the crash site. A comprehensive accident report could take between 12 and 24 months to finalize, according to Inman. The loss of life in this incident has deeply affected the community, particularly as it involved promising young individuals with bright futures ahead of them.
Among the victims was Karenna Groff, who was celebrated as the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year. Groff earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Engineering from MIT in 2022 and followed it up with a Master of Engineering in the same field in 2023, as stated by Kimberly Allen, executive director of media relations and crisis communications at MIT. Another victim, John Santoro, also graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Finance in 2022.
“They were a wonderful family,” said John Santoro’s father, John Santoro Sr., in a statement to the Associated Press. “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity.” John Santoro had been planning to propose to Groff this summer, a testament to their deep bond that began when they first met as freshmen at MIT.
Groff, who was a dedicated volunteer counselor at Camp Kesem at MIT, also served as a teaching assistant for the MIT Department of Biological Engineering. Additionally, she co-founded the MIT Slums & Informal Settlements Research Group. Her accomplishments were recognized when she was named one of nine finalists for the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award, which honors graduating female student-athletes who excel in athletics, academics, leadership, and community service.
In a January 2023 interview, Groff reflected on her unexpected win of the NCAA award, expressing her shock and humility. “I was overwhelmed, and the first thing I said was, ‘What am I going to say in the speech?’” At the award ceremony, she was lauded for her contributions to clinical research at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she focused on the genetic basis of epilepsy.
During her time at MIT, Groff's leadership was evident as she captained her soccer team to four NCAA Division 3 tournaments. In a notable moment earlier this year, she threw the first pitch at a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Groff was a second-year student at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she was on the path to specialize in neurosurgery, showcasing exceptional skill and dedication.
Groff's father, Michael Groff, was also a distinguished figure in the medical field, serving as the executive medical director of neurosciences at Rochester Regional Health. He was known for his clinical excellence and compassionate care as a neurosurgeon, and was an experienced pilot who had a passion for flying since his teenage years. Groff’s mother, Saini Groff, was a pelvic surgeon and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the victims’ families, as many in the community mourn the loss of such promising individuals. Information regarding funerals and memorials will be released by the family in the coming days. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the potential that has been lost.
Material from the Associated Press contributed to this report. Note: A previous version of this story inaccurately reported the year Karenna Groff won the NCAA Woman of the Year award due to an Associated Press error.
