Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Prominent Family in New York
In a devastating incident that has left a community in mourning, a family of accomplished doctors and promising student-athletes lost their lives in a plane crash in upstate New York over the weekend. The six individuals were on board a Mitsubishi MU2B aircraft, making their way to the Catskills for a birthday celebration and to observe the Passover holiday when the tragedy occurred.
The aircraft went down around midday on Saturday in a remote field in Copake, resulting in no survivors. The sudden loss has not only shocked relatives and friends but has also reignited discussions about aviation safety in the region, particularly given the recent string of aviation accidents throughout the United States. With the death toll mounting due to various aviation mishaps, this particular crash has intensified scrutiny regarding the safety records of private aircraft operations.
Details of the Crash
The disturbing trend of aviation incidents continues to plague the nation in 2025, with the Copake tragedy not being the first. Just the previous week, a helicopter crash in New York City resulted in six fatalities, while a small plane crash near Boca Raton, Florida, claimed the lives of three individuals. This alarming series of accidents raises questions about regulatory oversight and the increasing risks associated with private flight operations.
In this precarious climate, the Mitsubishi MU2B twin-engine private plane crashed in a muddy field close to the Massachusetts border. The plane had departed from New Jersey and appeared to have been cruising smoothly until moments before the tragic incident. Witness reports and emergency communications suggest that the plane was experiencing difficulties shortly before the crash. The pilot had radioed Columbia County Airport, indicating a missed approach and requesting guidance for a new landing plan. Unfortunately, as air traffic controllers were preparing to provide new coordinates, they attempted to alert the pilot three times regarding the dangerously low altitude of the plane, but there was no response.
On April 12, a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 Solitaire twin-engine turboprop crashed in an open field near Copake, New York, killing all six people on board. https://t.co/esLLe0cTm9 #Copake #NewYork #MitsubishiMU2 #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/pk7ykX5mhH
— AviationSource (@AvSourceNews) April 14, 2025
Among the victims were some of the brightest minds in their fields. Karenna Groff, a former standout athlete at MIT and the NCAA’s 2022 Woman of the Year, was traveling with her boyfriend, James Santoro, an MIT graduate. Also aboard were her parents, Dr. Michael Groff, a distinguished neuroscientist, and Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist. This family was celebrated not only for their academic and professional accomplishments but also for their contributions to their communities, including active participation in health initiatives and outreach programs that sought to improve the lives of others.
Investigation Underway
In the aftermath of the crash, federal investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been dispatched to the scene. They are working to gather data and analyze any available video footage that might provide insights into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Preliminary reports indicate that the footage shows the aircraft intact before it entered a steep descent into the ground. Moreover, debris scattered across the crash site depicts the violent nature of the crash, complicating the investigation process.
Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore confirmed that the crash site presented significant challenges for accessing the wreckage, particularly due to the wet and muddy conditions that complicate recovery efforts. NTSB official Todd Inman stated that the investigation could take about a week to complete and reassured the public that the plane was certified under FAA regulations. Inman also emphasized the pilot’s experience, noting that he was certified and had been flying for many years, which makes the crash even more puzzling to investigators.
As the investigation unfolds, families and friends are left grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their loved ones. James Santoro’s father, John Santoro, expressed the profound void left by this tragedy, stating, “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world.” He shared that James met Karenna during their freshman year at MIT, where both were involved in athletics, highlighting the deep bond that had formed over the years. Their shared passions not only fueled their competitive spirits but also created an inseparable connection rooted in mutual respect and admiration.
Karenna Groff was not only an outstanding athlete but also a passionate advocate for social issues. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded openPPE, a project aimed at creating innovative mask designs to protect essential workers. Her remarkable contributions earned her recognition, culminating in her being honored as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2023. In a poignant moment, she even had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park, a testament to her achievements both on and off the field. These memories remind the community of the vibrant life and promising future that has been tragically cut short.
As investigations continue and tributes pour in, the families affected by this tragedy are left to navigate the complex emotions of grief and remembrance. The impact of such a loss resonates deeply, highlighting not only the fragility of life but also the profound contributions of those taken too soon. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims during this incredibly difficult time. In honoring their memory, it is essential to remember the lives they led and the positive changes they sought to bring to the world.
