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Tragic Plane Crash in New York Claims Lives of High-Achieving Family
A devastating plane crash in Upstate New York has resulted in the death of a distinguished family of doctors and scientists. The tragedy occurred as they were en route to the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and the Passover holiday. The aviation accident has prompted an NTSB investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Details of the Incident
The Mitsubishi MU2B aircraft crashed shortly after midday on Saturday in a field in Copake. All six occupants aboard the flight perished in the incident.
Victims Identified: Prominent Professionals and MIT Graduates
Authorities have identified the victims as:
- Karenna Groff: A former MIT soccer player and the NCAA’s 2022 Woman of the Year.
- James Santoro: Karenna’s boyfriend and fellow MIT graduate.
- Dr. Michael Groff: Karenna’s father and a neuroscientist.
- Dr. Joy Saini: Karenna’s mother and a urogynecologist.
Family’s Heartbreak and Community Mourning
John Santoro, James’s father, expressed his profound grief to the Associated Press, describing the family as “wonderful.” “The world has lost extraordinary individuals who had immense potential to contribute positively,” he stated, conveying his personal devastation.
Flight Path and Crash Location
The family commenced their journey from an airport in White Plains, New York City, on Saturday morning aboard Dr. Michael Groff’s private aircraft, according to Mr. Santoro. Their intended destination was Columbia County Airport. However, the plane went down approximately 10 miles from the airport at 12:06 pm, as confirmed by National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman during a Sunday news conference.
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Holiday Gathering Turns to Tragedy
Inman explained that “[the family] were traveling for a holiday gathering with loved ones.” News reports indicate their trip to the Catskills was for a birthday celebration and to observe the Passover holiday.
Challenges at Crash Site
Accessibility Issues Hamper Initial Response
Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore noted at a Saturday news conference that “accessibility is challenging” at the crash site due to the muddy terrain of the field where the aircraft came down.
Remembering James Santoro
“Best Years of Our Lives”
Reflecting on his son, Mr. Santoro shared, “The 25 years we had with James were the most cherished years of our lives,” adding, “The happiness and affection he brought us will endure throughout our lives.” Funeral arrangements are currently underway.
Karenna Groff’s Legacy of Achievement
Impact During Pandemic and NCAA Recognition
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karenna co-founded openPPE, an initiative that developed an innovative mask design for essential workers. In 2023, she was honored with the NCAA Woman of the Year award for 2022, recognizing her exceptional accomplishments.
Teamwork and Support Acknowledged
In a previous interview, Karenna attributed her success to her support system: “This recognition truly reflects my MIT women’s soccer family and the invaluable guidance, encouragement, and camaraderie they have provided me over the years.”
Relationship Forged at MIT
Paths Converged in Academia and Athletics
Karenna and James met as students at MIT. Karenna, a Massachusetts native and All-American soccer player, pursued biomedical engineering. James, a mathematics major from New Jersey, was a member of the school’s lacrosse team.
Post-Graduation Life in Manhattan
Career and Further Education
Following graduation, the couple relocated to Manhattan. Karenna enrolled in medical school at New York University, and James commenced his career as an investment associate at Silver Point.
NTSB Investigation Underway
Initial Findings on Aircraft Descent
Video evidence reviewed by the NTSB indicates that the aircraft was structurally sound as it began a rapid descent before impacting the ground, according to Inman.
Pilot’s Actions and Air Traffic Control Response
The pilot had reported a missed approach while attempting to land at the airport and requested to make another attempt. A low altitude warning was triggered during the second approach, as stated by NTSB member Albert Nixon.
Communication Breakdown
Nixon further stated that an air traffic controller made three unsuccessful attempts to contact the pilot and alert him to the plane’s dangerously low altitude. Notably, no distress call was issued from the aircraft.
Investigation Timeline and Aircraft Safety
Week-Long Investigation Expected
Inman anticipates that the NTSB investigation will require approximately one week to complete.
Preliminary Assessment of Aircraft Airworthiness
“Based on current information, [the plane] was certified under FAA standards, and we have no reason to believe it was not legally safe to operate,” Inman commented.
Pilot’s Experience
Inman added that the pilot was certified and possessed extensive flying experience, having flown “for a number of years” and “from a very young age.”
The NTSB continues its investigation into this tragic event.