NCAA woman of the year, family among those killed in New York plane crash
Authorities have released the identities of the six individuals tragically killed in a New York plane crash over the weekend, shedding light on the lives lost in the tragic incident. Among the victims was Karenna Groff, a highly-acclaimed former student athlete who had made a name for herself on the soccer field.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, as the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft was en route to Columbia County Airport in Hudson, New York. The plane ultimately crashed into an open, muddy field in Copake, approximately ten miles south of its intended destination.
Karenna Groff, a former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) soccer player who had been named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, was one of the passengers who perished in the crash. Also on board were her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini. Karenna Groff had been pursuing a career in medicine at New York University at the time of the accident.
Tragically, Karenna’s brother, Jared Groff, and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, were also among the victims of the crash. Additionally, Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro, lost his life in the tragic incident.
The group had boarded the ill-fated plane at Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier that morning. In the moments leading up to the crash, the pilot had communicated with air traffic control at Columbia County Airport, indicating that he had missed the initial approach and requesting a new approach plan. Despite attempts by air traffic controllers to reach the pilot and provide new coordinates, there was no response.
Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash, a process that could take up to 24 months to complete. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has noted that the aircraft was found \”compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain\” of the muddy field. Video footage of the flight suggests that the plane was intact before crashing at a high rate of descent.
The NTSB has also revealed that the plane was equipped with upgraded cockpit technology and that the pilot was flying under instrument flight rules at the time of the crash. James Santoro’s father, John Santoro, expressed deep sadness over the loss of his son and the other victims, describing the Groff family as \”wonderful\” individuals with promising futures ahead of them.
As the investigation continues, the heartbreaking loss of Karenna Groff, her family, and their loved ones serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The world mourns the loss of these individuals who had so much to offer and were taken too soon.
