Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of Rising Star Karenna Groff and Family
Upstate New York — A devastating plane crash in upstate New York on April 12, 2025, resulted in the tragic death of Karenna Groff, a 24-year-old former MIT soccer standout and 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year. Groff was among six individuals who perished in the accident, which tragically took the lives of her entire immediate family. Her father, distinguished neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Groff, her mother, urogynecologist Dr. Joy Saini, and her brother, Jared Groff, also died in the crash, along with Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte. The family was en route to the Catskills for a weekend retreat to commemorate a birthday and Passover when the catastrophe occurred.
As loved ones grapple with this profound loss, many are reflecting on the remarkable life of Karenna Groff. Learn more about her achievements and aspirations below.
Karenna Groff: A Life Remembered
Collegiate Soccer Career at MIT
Raised in Massachusetts, Karenna Groff pursued her higher education at MIT, where she excelled as a varsity soccer player while concurrently studying biomedical engineering.
Co-Founder of OpenPPE Initiative
Demonstrating her commitment to public health, Karenna Groff co-established OpenPPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. This impactful initiative focused on innovating and developing enhanced mask designs for essential workers on the front lines.
2022 NCAA Woman of the Year Honoree
In a testament to her outstanding achievements, Karenna Groff was named the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year in 2023. This prestigious accolade recognized her exceptional accomplishments both in athletics and in her academic and extracurricular pursuits throughout 2022.
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“This honor truly reflects the incredible MIT women’s soccer family and the invaluable guidance, encouragement, and camaraderie they have provided me over the years,” she expressed in a past interview.
Medical School Aspirations at NYU
Following her graduation from MIT, Karenna Groff relocated to New York City to pursue her passion for medicine, enrolling in medical school at New York University.
“Karenna exhibited extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication to patient care and our institution’s mission,” stated an NYU representative. “She will be fondly remembered for her warmth, grace, kindness, significant accomplishments, and the sheer joy she brought to our community.”
Relationship with James Santoro
James Santoro, Karenna’s boyfriend, was also among the victims of the plane crash. Santoro, an MIT alumnus, met Karenna during their freshman year, and their relationship flourished over the years.
“I still can’t believe it’s true. I still don’t believe it’s true,” James’ father, John Santoro, conveyed to Boston 25 News, expressing the disbelief and grief surrounding the tragedy.
James, a mathematics graduate from New Jersey and a member of MIT’s lacrosse team, joined Karenna in Manhattan after graduation. He had recently commenced his career as an investment associate at Silver Point. The couple had anticipated celebrating their engagement this summer.