Private Plane Crashes in New York, Killing All Six Aboard, Including Former NCAA Woman

On April 12, 2025, a devastating plane crash near Copake, New York, claimed the lives of six family members who were en route to celebrate a special occasion. The aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, went down roughly ten miles short of its intended destination, Columbia County Airport, after what authorities describe as a failed second approach. The tragedy has left an entire community mourning the loss of an exceptional and tightly bonded family.

The plane was piloted by 59-year-old Dr. Michael Groff, a respected neurosurgeon known for his work at Massachusetts General Hospital. Traveling with him were his wife, Dr. Joy Saini, an accomplished pediatrician; their daughter Karenna Groff, a medical student and former MIT soccer star who was named NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022; their son Jared Groff, a recent law school graduate; Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, a doctoral candidate in public health; and Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro, an environmental policy researcher. The family had planned a joyful weekend in the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and the Passover holiday.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Dr. Groff reported missing the initial landing approach and was attempting a second when air traffic controllers issued a low-altitude alert. Tragically, no response came. Moments later, the aircraft crashed into a wooded area, striking the ground at high speed. Investigators have stated that the plane remained intact until impact, a factor that may aid in reconstructing the final moments of the flight.

Emergency crews responded quickly, but there were no survivors. The wreckage, located in a rural stretch of Columbia County, presented significant challenges for recovery efforts due to the terrain. In the days that followed, the NTSB, in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), launched a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. They are currently examining possible contributing factors including weather conditions, mechanical failure, flight history, and the pilot’s experience.

The Mitsubishi MU-2B has a complex flight history in the aviation world. While it is a powerful and efficient turboprop aircraft, it has drawn attention over the years due to its unforgiving flight characteristics in certain conditions. Dr. Groff, however, was said to be a skilled and careful pilot with years of experience. The exact reason why the plane failed to land safely remains unclear, and a full investigation could take up to two years to conclude.

The loss has deeply shaken both the professional and local communities. At MIT, flags flew at half-staff in honor of Karenna, who had been admired not just for her athletic ability but for her academic dedication and compassion. At the hospitals where Dr. Groff and Dr. Saini practiced, memorials and vigils were held to honor their decades of service and the countless lives they touched. Friends, colleagues, and patients described them as deeply compassionate, driven, and devoted to both their work and their family.

Jared Groff and Alexia Duarte were engaged to be married next summer. Friends described them as a passionate and community-minded couple, always talking about ways to serve underserved populations through legal and healthcare advocacy. James Santoro, Karenna’s partner, was known for his commitment to sustainability and education, often volunteering in schools and community centers.

In the wake of the crash, an outpouring of support has flooded in. Former classmates, patients, professors, and neighbors have shared stories and photos, honoring a family that lived with purpose, generosity, and love. A joint memorial service is being planned, though no date has been announced.

As investigators work to determine what went wrong that afternoon, the legacy of the Groff family remains etched in the lives they touched, the careers they built, and the love they shared with one another. Their loss is immeasurable—but so is the inspiration they leave behind.