A highly accomplished former NCAA athlete and five others, including her family members, were involved in a devastating aviation incident in New York.

According to Fox News, Karenna Groff, the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year and former Massachusetts Institute of Technology soccer player, along with her parents, brother, his partner, and her boyfriend, died when their private plane crashed into a muddy field in Copake, New York on Saturday.

The fatal crash occurred around 12:15 p.m. local time when the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, owned by Dr. Michael Groff, crashed approximately ten miles south of its intended destination at Columbia County Airport in Hudson. The victims included Dr. Michael Groff, Dr. Joy Saini, their children Karenna and Jared Groff, Jared's partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's boyfriend James Santoro.

Crucial moments before the tragic incident

The group had departed from Westchester County Airport in White Plains earlier that morning. Prior to the crash, the pilot communicated with air traffic control about missing the initial approach and requested new coordinates. Despite air traffic controllers' three attempts to send low altitude alerts, they received no response from the aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) official Todd Inman revealed that video footage showed the aircraft was intact before it crashed at high velocity into the ground. Investigators discovered the plane "compressed, buckled and embedded in the terrain" of the field.

The aircraft was equipped with recently upgraded cockpit technology certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. At the time of the incident, the pilot was operating under instrument flight rules rather than visual flight rules.

Notable achievements and lasting impact

Karenna Groff had distinguished herself as an exceptional student-athlete at MIT, earning the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award in 2022. At the time of her death, she was pursuing medical studies at New York University, following in her parents' footsteps.

James Santoro's father, John, shared his profound grief over the tragedy, emphasizing the remarkable qualities of those lost. He stated:

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.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is expected to be extensive, with authorities estimating it could take up to 24 months to complete. The NTSB is conducting a thorough examination of all factors that might have contributed to the accident.

Moving forward after devastating loss

Federal authorities are meticulously gathering evidence and analyzing data to understand the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The investigation will encompass various aspects, including weather conditions, mechanical factors, and pilot-related variables.

The aviation community and those connected to the victims are grappling with the sudden loss of these accomplished individuals. The impact of their deaths extends beyond their immediate circles to the broader academic and medical communities.

Remembering six remarkable lives

The crash claimed the lives of Karenna Groff, a rising medical student and decorated NCAA athlete, along with her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother, Jared Groff, his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and her boyfriend, James Santoro. The incident occurred when their private aircraft crashed in Copake, New York, while approaching Columbia County Airport in Hudson.

The NTSB's investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with officials examining various factors including flight data, weather conditions, and the aircraft's recently upgraded systems. The comprehensive investigation is expected to provide crucial insights into the circumstances that led to this devastating loss of life.