A recent plane crash in upstate New York has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, including former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football athlete Karenna Groff and her loved ones.
Tragedy Strikes as Former MIT Athlete and Family Die in Plane Crash
Tragedy Strikes as Former MIT Athlete and Family Die in Plane Crash
A private plane crash in New York claims the lives of six, including a celebrated athlete and her family.
A private aircraft carrying six individuals crashed in an open field in upstate New York on Saturday, killing everyone on board, according to the authorities. Among the deceased was Karenna Groff, a celebrated former athlete at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), alongside her parents, brother, and his partner.
The Groff family was reportedly traveling for a holiday celebration when the crash occurred. According to the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), video footage of the flight's final moments showed the plane in good condition until its abrupt descent into the field. The victims have been identified as Karenna Groff, her parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s partner, James Santoro.
John Santoro, the father of James, reflected on the family’s vibrant legacy, stating, "The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good.” Karenna Groff was recognized as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022 during her senior year and was pursuing medical education at New York University (NYU), while her parents were distinguished physicians. Her brother Jared was working as a paralegal with plans to join Harvard Law School.
An NTSB official remarked on an ongoing investigation into the crash, which is said to have occurred around midday as the family approached Columbia County Airport. Reports indicated that air traffic control attempted to reach the pilot multiple times without response. The aircraft, a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, was found severely damaged in a muddy agricultural area. It is, however, too early to ascertain whether weather conditions played a role in the incident.
The investigation is set to be comprehensive, with the full report from the NTSB expected in 12 to 24 months, as the aviation community grapples with another recent crash that took the lives of six, including Spanish tourists, just days before this incident.
