A tragic plane crash in Copake, New York, over the weekend claimed the lives of six individuals, including 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year Karenna Groff, her father Dr. Michael Groff, a respected neuroscientist and the pilot of the aircraft, her mother Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist, and her boyfriend James Santoro, a recent graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The crash, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, struck just as the group was en route to the Catskills for a family gathering and to observe the Passover holiday. Authorities identified the victims, but two other individuals aboard the twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B plane remain unnamed. This devastating loss has sent shockwaves through the academic, medical, and sports communities, with those involved remembered not only for their achievements but for their dedication to service, compassion, and intellectual contributions.

The Crash: A Detailed Account of the Tragedy

Timeline of Events: Saturday Afternoon Disaster

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the family and their companions boarded a private plane at an airport in White Plains, a suburban area of New York City. Their intended destination was Columbia County Airport, situated roughly 20 miles south of the crash site. The group, which included some of the most accomplished individuals in their respective fields, was on their way to Copake, New York, for a family gathering during the Passover holiday. Their flight, aboard a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, took off earlier that morning without incident. However, tragedy struck just after noon.

The aircraft, which was en route to Columbia County Airport, crashed into a muddy field in the town of Copake, near the New York-Massachusetts border. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though initial reports indicated no signs of distress during the flight prior to the crash. The aircraft went down in a remote area, which presented significant challenges for first responders attempting to reach the wreckage.

Crash Site and Emergency Response Efforts

Upon arrival at the scene, emergency responders were faced with the difficult terrain of the crash site, which was located in a field that was both muddy and difficult to access. Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore reported that the response efforts were delayed due to the challenging conditions, with rescuers having to navigate through the field to reach the wreckage. “It’s in the middle of a field and it’s pretty muddy, so accessibility is difficult,” Salvatore noted in a press briefing on Saturday.

Despite the challenges, emergency personnel were able to locate the wreckage and confirm that six people had perished in the crash. The remains of the victims were recovered, though details surrounding the exact cause of the crash are still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The Victims: Lives Cut Short

Karenna Groff: NCAA Woman of the Year and Soccer Standout

Karenna Groff, 23, was remembered not only for her incredible athletic accomplishments but also for her passion and dedication to her studies and community involvement. In 2022, she was named NCAA Woman of the Year, one of the highest honors a female college athlete can achieve. Groff, a standout soccer player at MIT, led her team both on and off the field, earning recognition for her leadership, athleticism, and academic excellence.

Her achievements at MIT were widely celebrated. In addition to her soccer career, Groff was also known for her commitment to giving back to the community. She was heavily involved in mentoring programs, particularly those designed to help young women excel in sports and academics. Groff’s untimely death leaves a significant void in the sports community, where she was seen as a rising star with immense potential for future success.

Dr. Michael Groff: Neuroscientist and Pilot

Karenna’s father, Dr. Michael Groff, was a renowned neuroscientist whose research in the field of brain and neurological disorders had a significant impact on both the medical community and the lives of many patients. Dr. Groff’s work in neuroscience focused on innovative approaches to treating neurodegenerative diseases, earning him accolades within both academic and clinical circles.

Dr. Groff, who was also the pilot of the ill-fated aircraft, was a highly skilled individual with experience in flying private aircraft. His decision to pilot the flight reflects his confidence and ability, though the cause of the crash remains a mystery. As a respected figure in both academia and the medical field, his loss has deeply affected the scientific community.

Dr. Joy Saini: Urogynecologist and Advocate

Dr. Joy Saini, Karenna’s mother, was a leading urogynecologist who had dedicated her career to the treatment of pelvic floor disorders and the improvement of women’s health. Dr. Saini was widely regarded for her expertise in her field and was an advocate for advancing women’s healthcare, particularly in the areas of pelvic health and incontinence. Throughout her career, Dr. Saini worked not only to treat her patients but also to mentor younger doctors, imparting her knowledge and advocating for the importance of women’s health.

Her untimely passing has left a significant gap in the field, with many colleagues and patients alike mourning her loss. Dr. Saini’s contributions to women’s healthcare were groundbreaking, and her passion for helping others was evident in everything she did.

James Santoro: MIT Graduate and Karenna’s Boyfriend

James Santoro, 24, was a recent graduate of MIT, where he completed his studies in engineering. Santoro was known for his academic rigor and his involvement in campus activities, particularly in student organizations related to technology and entrepreneurship. His relationship with Karenna Groff was well known among friends and peers, and the two were often seen together, both in social settings and as partners in academic endeavors.

Santoro was remembered by those who knew him as a kind and thoughtful individual with a promising future. His sudden death in the crash has left a grieving family and a tight-knit MIT community in shock. His loss is felt deeply by all who knew him, and his contributions to both his academic community and his personal relationships will be remembered fondly.

The Investigation: What Happened?

NTSB and Local Authorities Involved in the Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a thorough investigation into the cause of the plane crash. NTSB investigators will work to examine the wreckage, review flight data, and analyze any potential mechanical issues with the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft. The twin-engine plane, while typically used for both private and commercial flights, is not without its complexities, and investigators will likely focus on any mechanical or operational failures that may have contributed to the crash.

In addition to the NTSB, local law enforcement and emergency responders are collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure a comprehensive investigation. Authorities are expected to review the flight path, analyze weather conditions at the time of the crash, and assess the aircraft’s maintenance records. The investigation will also look into whether any external factors, such as weather or human error, played a role in the tragedy.

Potential Causes: Mechanical Failure, Human Error, or Environmental Factors?

The investigation will likely explore several potential causes for the crash, including mechanical failure, human error, or environmental factors. Mechanical issues are a common cause of private plane accidents, and investigators will carefully examine the aircraft’s engines, avionics, and overall condition. The fact that the crash occurred shortly after takeoff suggests that the plane may have experienced an issue during ascent.

Weather conditions will also be considered, though initial reports suggest that conditions were relatively clear at the time of the flight. Human error, particularly given that Dr. Michael Groff was piloting the aircraft, will also be a point of investigation. As an experienced pilot, Dr. Groff’s decision-making and judgment will be analyzed to determine whether any mistakes or miscalculations contributed to the crash.

The Role of the Family in the Community

The Groff family’s loss has sent shockwaves through both the MIT and medical communities. Colleagues, friends, and family members have all expressed their deep sorrow and grief over the tragedy. The Groffs were known not only for their professional accomplishments but also for their warmth and dedication to helping others.

Dr. Michael Groff’s contributions to the field of neuroscience and Dr. Joy Saini’s work in urogynecology have left lasting legacies. Karenna Groff’s recognition as NCAA Woman of the Year and her future potential in both sports and academics were a source of pride for many, and James Santoro’s promising career and personal connections made him a beloved figure at MIT. The outpouring of grief from these communities reflects the profound impact that this family had on those around them.

Memorials and Tributes: Honoring the Victims

Community Support and Tributes

In the aftermath of the crash, memorials and tributes to the victims have begun to take shape. Friends, colleagues, and former students of the Groff family have set up fundraising efforts to support their surviving family members. The MIT community, in particular, has launched a campaign to honor Karenna Groff’s memory, with many of her peers sharing stories of her athletic achievements and her contributions to the campus community.

Additionally, medical professionals who worked alongside Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini have expressed their admiration for their colleagues’ work and have shared heartfelt messages of remembrance. The legacy of these two prominent professionals will continue to influence the fields of neuroscience and women’s health for many years to come.

Celebrating Their Lives

As funeral arrangements are made, the community is coming together to celebrate the lives of those lost. The Groff family, along with James Santoro, will be remembered not just for their professional achievements but for their kindness, generosity, and dedication to improving the lives of others. Memorial services will provide an opportunity for their friends and family to share their memories and honor their contributions to both their respective fields and the broader community.

Conclusion: A Devastating Loss with Lasting Impact

The plane crash in Copake, New York, has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew the Groff family and James Santoro. The tragic loss of six lives, including individuals who were poised to make a lasting impact in their respective fields, has shaken the academic, medical, and sports communities. As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the focus remains on honoring the memories of these remarkable individuals and ensuring that their legacy lives on through their work, their passions, and the countless lives they touched.

In the days ahead, updates from the NTSB and local authorities will shed light on the cause of the crash, but for now, the community stands united in its grief, reflecting on the remarkable lives of those lost and the enduring impact they will leave behind.