A devastating plane crash near Copake, New York, on April 12, 2025, resulted in the loss of six lives, including prominent members of the Groff family and their close companions. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, piloted by Dr. Michael Groff, was en route from Westchester County Airport to Columbia County Airport when it crashed into a muddy field approximately 10 miles from its intended destination. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the incident.
The victims of the crash have been identified as:
- Dr. Michael Groff: A respected neurosurgeon and associate professor at Harvard Medical School.
- Dr. Joy Saini: A urogynecologist and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness.
- Karenna Groff: Daughter of Michael and Joy, a former MIT soccer player, and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year.
- James Santoro: Karenna’s boyfriend, an MIT graduate and investment associate.
- Jared Groff: Son of Michael and Joy, a Swarthmore College graduate working as a paralegal.
- Alexia Couyutas Duarte: Jared’s partner, a Swarthmore alumna planning to attend Harvard Law School.
The group was traveling to the Catskills for a birthday celebration and to observe the Passover holiday.
Preliminary reports indicate that Dr. Michael Groff, an experienced pilot, had requested a new approach plan after missing the initial one. Air traffic controllers attempted to relay a low altitude alert, but there was no response, and no distress call was made. The aircraft crashed at a high rate of descent into a muddy field. The NTSB has obtained video footage showing the aircraft was intact before impact. A full investigation is underway, with a comprehensive report expected within 12 to 24 months.
Karenna Groff, a standout athlete and scholar, was recognized as the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year for her achievements in athletics, academics, and community service. She co-founded openPPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, designing masks for essential workers. At the time of her passing, she was enrolled in medical school at New York University.
John Santoro, father of James Santoro, expressed profound grief over the loss, stating, “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.”
The tragic loss of this accomplished family has deeply affected the communities they were part of, including the medical, academic, and athletic spheres. Funeral arrangements are currently underway.