A family of doctors and high-achieving student athletes were among six people killed when a small plane crashed in a muddy field in upstate New York over the weekend.
The Groff family — neuroscientist father Michael Groff, urologist mother Joy Saini, their MIT-grad daughter Karenna and her boyfriend James Sontoro — were all killed Saturday when the private Mitsubishi MU-2B they were traveling in smashed into the ground in Copake, not far from the Massachusetts border, Sontoro’s father confirmed.
Son Jared Groff, along with his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, also died, according to the Times Union.
(From left) Dr. Michael Groff, Karenna Groff, Dr. Joy Saini, and James Santoro were identified as victims of the small plane crash in upstate New York on April 12, 2025. Courtesy John Santoro via APA third child of the Massachusetts doctor couple, daughter Anika, was not on the plane.
The Groffs were headed to the Catskills aboard Michael’s private jet for a birthday and Passover celebration when the tragedy occurred.
“They were a wonderful family,” John Sontoro said. “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.”
His son was also an MIT graduate and worked in finance, while Karenna was studying medicine at New York University after being named the NCAA woman of the year in 2022 for her soccer and academic achievements at MIT.
“Really, this recognition is a testament to my MIT women’s soccer family and all of the guidance, support, and friendship they have provided for me over the years,” she said in an interview after earning the prestigious sports award.
Groff throws a ball prior to a baseball game at Fenway Park, Monday, April 3, 2023, in Boston. AP
Karenna Groff, who was named the 2022 NCAA woman of the year, with her boyfriend James Santoro. APDr. Groff was an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and also served as executive director of neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health, the Times Union reported. He was also an experienced pilot.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved family members,” a statement from the surviving family read. “We will remember them as the six brilliant, dynamic, and loving people that they were.”
The family departed from a White Plains airport Saturday morning and was due to land at the Columbia County Airport around noon.
The scene of the fatal plane crash in Copake. WRGB
First responders at the scene of the crash. WRGBBut the plane’s pilot alerted air traffic controllers that they’d missed their approach and were requesting directions for a second attempt — when the tower indicated a “low altitude alert” and then lost all contact with the plane.
Within moments, the small plane crashed in the field, National Transportation Safety Board investigator Albert Nixon said at a press conference Sunday.
The federal agency is continuing to investigate the accident.
With Post wires
