Heartbreak in the Skies

A devastating plane crash in upstate New York has snuffed out the lives of six remarkable individuals, including a celebrated NCAA athlete and her family. Their private twin-engine plane, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, tragically went down shortly after noon on Saturday during a trip to the Catskills for a birthday celebration and the Passover holiday.

The Final Moments

The pilot of the aircraft communicated with air traffic control at Columbia County Airport, indicating a missed approach and requesting a new plan. Unfortunately, just before the crash, communication went silent, despite air traffic controllers attempting to relay critical altitude warnings.

Vision of Promising Futures Cut Short

The victims included Karenna Groff, named the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, known for her excellence both on the soccer field and in academia. She was joined by her father, Dr. Michael Groff, a distinguished neuroscientist; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a celebrated urogynecologist; her brother Jared Groff, a recent Swarthmore College graduate; his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro.

James Santoro’s father, John, expressed the profound loss, saying, 'The world lost a lot of very good people who were destined to bring about significant changes.' Karenna was not only an accomplished athlete but also co-founded openPPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her commitment to community service.

Highlights of Their Incredible Lives

Groff was an All-American soccer player studying biomedical engineering. After graduating, she enrolled in medical school at NYU. Meanwhile, Santoro worked as an investment associate, and both had moved to Manhattan to pursue their careers. The family epitomized a blend of academic brilliance and humanitarian spirit.

Investigations Underway

The crash site in Copake, NY, revealed the aircraft 'compressed, buckled, and embedded in the terrain,' according to Todd Inman of the NTSB. Investigators will be on-site for about a week, with a full accident report estimated to take 12 to 24 months.

A Community in Mourning

As funeral arrangements are made, the community grapples with the loss of these extraordinary individuals, who were poised to make significant contributions to society. 'The joy and love [James] brought us will last a lifetime,' John Santoro reflected.