Tragic New York Plane Crash Claims Lives of Acclaimed NCAA Athlete and Family Members

Authorities have identified six individuals killed in a devastating plane crash in New York, which occurred on Saturday afternoon. Among the victims was an acclaimed former NCAA athlete.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the crash happened around 12:15 p.m. local time. The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, was headed for Columbia County Airport in Hudson when it went down in a muddy field situated in Copake, approximately ten miles south of its destination.

Victims of the Crash

Karenna Groff, a former soccer player at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, was among those lost in the tragedy. She was pursuing a medical degree at New York University at the time of the incident. Tragically, both her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, also perished in the crash.

Additionally, Groff’s brother, Jared Groff, along with his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, were onboard the flight. Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro, was also among the deceased.

Details Surrounding the Flight

The ill-fated flight took off from Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier the same day. Shortly before the plane crashed, the pilot communicated with air traffic control, indicating that he had missed his initial approach and requested new instructions.

In a concerning development, air traffic controllers attempted to alert the pilot with a low altitude warning three times, but received no response. Such developments are raising questions about the flight’s safety protocols.

Ongoing Investigation

Officials are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic accident. The investigative process, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, could extend to as long as 24 months before a full report is finalized.

According to NTSB official Todd Inman, the aircraft was discovered significantly damaged, having become “compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain” of the muddy field. Inman also mentioned that video footage of the flight showed the plane intact before crashing at a high rate of descent, further complicating the immediate assessment of the crash.

Safety Measures in Place

The aircraft, owned by Michael Groff, had been recently upgraded with FAA-certified cockpit technology. Notably, the pilot was operating under instrument flight rules, which are designed for flying in conditions where visibility is limited.

Community Grieves the Loss

The tragic loss has deeply affected the families and community involved. John Santoro, James’ father, expressed heartfelt sorrow about the events and referred to the Groff family as a “wonderful family.” His statement highlighted the broader impact of their untimely deaths.

He lamented, “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity. We’re all personally devastated.”

A Personal and Community Tragedy

This event not only highlights the fragility of life but also serves as a somber reminder of how aviation tragedies can strike unexpectedly. The community surrounding the victims has come together in support, emphasizing the lost potential and contributions of those who perished in this catastrophe.

In reflecting on the lives lost, many are calling for improved safety measures and thorough investigations to prevent future incidents. As families mourn, the complete picture of what transpired will come to light, ensuring accountability and recognition of those who were lost.

As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the families affected by this heartbreaking event. More information will be released as it becomes available, and the community’s resilience will undoubtedly be tested during this challenging time.