Six killed in tragic plane crash in New York field
- The twin-engine plane crashed on April 12, 2025, in a muddy field near Copake, New York.
- All six individuals aboard the flight, including a well-known athlete and her family, tragically lost their lives.
- An investigation by the FAA and NTSB is ongoing to determine the cause of the fatal crash.
On April 12, 2025, a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft crashed in a muddy field in Copake, New York, while en route to Columbia County Airport. The crash occurred around 12:15 PM local time and tragically resulted in the deaths of all six individuals on board, including a close-knit family of physicians and a well-known student athlete. Initial reports indicated that issues regarding the weather and visibility might have played a role in the crash, prompting a thorough investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. The plane was reportedly flying under instrument flight rules due to poor weather conditions at the time of the incident. The victims included Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player honored as the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, her parents Dr. Michael Groff, a renowned neuroscientist, and Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist. Additionally, Karenna's brother, Jared Groff, and his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, along with her boyfriend, James Santoro, were on the ill-fated flight. The family had been traveling to celebrate a birthday and the Passover holiday. Their loss has left a profound impact on the community, with family and friends mourning the tragic circumstances that led to their demise. Telecommunications between the pilot and air traffic control indicated that they had missed an initial approach and requested to reroute. Despite multiple attempts by air traffic controllers to alert the pilot of a low altitude situation, there was no response, raising concerns about the plane's operation just before the crash. Investigators later obtained video footage showing the aircraft in decent before it impacted the ground at a high rate of speed, illustrating the tragedy's suddenness and severity. The NTSB's inquiry aims to clarify the factors leading up to the crash, although a full report may take 12 to 24 months to be finalized. The Groff family was described as contributing significantly to their fields and communities, with feelings of grief resonating widely. Karenna Groff was recognized for her achievements in sports and contributions to societal issues, such as co-founding openPPE during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family’s sudden loss has reminded many of the unpredictability of life and the fragility of familial bonds. Funeral arrangements were being made in response to the community's calls for support and awareness surrounding the family’s tragic situation.