Karenna Groff: Former MIT Athlete and Family Killed in Devastating Plane Crash in New York

In a heart-wrenching tragedy, Karenna Groff, a 25-year-old former MIT footballer and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, lost her life in a small plane crash in upstate New York. The crash occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025, claiming the lives of all six passengers on board, including members of her family and her partner. The sudden accident has shocked not just her community but people across the country who followed her inspirational journey through academics, athletics, and service.

Who Was Karenna Groff?

Karenna Groff was more than just a student-athlete. A native of Weston, Massachusetts, she stood out for her exceptional achievements in education, sports, and community service. She graduated from Weston High School in 2018 and later pursued a degree in biological engineering and a master’s in biomedical engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

At MIT, Groff was a two-time captain of the women’s football team and received All-American honors. She was known not just for her on-field talent, but also for her leadership and dedication. In 2022, she was honored with the title of NCAA Woman of the Year, recognizing her excellence in academics, athletics, and community impact.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Groff co-founded openPPE, a humanitarian initiative that created and distributed protective masks for frontline healthcare workers across the U.S. At the time of her death, she was a medical student at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, preparing for a future in neurosurgery.

Details of the Crash

The small plane involved in the crash was a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, piloted by Groff’s father, Dr. Michael Groff, a well-known neurosurgeon. The aircraft took off from Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, and was headed to Columbia County Airport in Hudson.

Tragically, the plane never reached its destination. Instead, it went down in a muddy agricultural field near Copake, close to the Massachusetts border and just 30 miles from its intended landing site.

All Victims Identified

The six people who lost their lives in the crash included:

Karenna Groff, 25 – MIT graduate, NCAA Woman of the Year 2022
Dr. Michael Groff – Neurosurgeon and pilot of the aircraft
Dr. Joy Saini – Karenna’s mother, a practicing urogynecologist
Jared Groff – Karenna’s brother, a paralegal
Alexia Couyutas Duarte – Jared’s partner
James Santoro – Karenna’s boyfriend and fellow MIT graduate

Santoro was also an accomplished athlete, having played lacrosse at MIT. He was working in New York as an investment associate.

What Caused the Plane to Crash?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the cause of the accident. According to preliminary reports:

The pilot radioed air traffic control to report a missed approach.
He was receiving new flight instructions shortly before the crash.
A low-altitude alert was issued, but there was no further communication.
Video footage of the final seconds showed the aircraft was intact before impact and crashed at a high rate of descent.

The plane was up-to-date with FAA regulations and had recently undergone upgrades. Investigators are exploring all possible causes, including mechanical failure and weather conditions. A full NTSB report is expected in 12–24 months.

Tributes and Reactions

Groff’s death has left a void in the lives of many. Her boyfriend’s father, John Santoro, told the Associated Press:

“The 25 years we had with James were the best years of our lives. 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.”

MIT also issued a statement honoring Groff, calling her “a shining example of what it means to be a student-athlete and a compassionate human being.”

Friends and teammates from her football days recalled her as “humble, driven, and inspiring.”

Why This Accident Hits So Hard

This was not just a crash involving private citizens it was a loss of potential. Karenna Groff and the others aboard that flight had promising futures. Karenna’s dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, Jared’s work in law, Alexia’s bright path, and James’s growing career were all cut short in an instant.

The tragedy also serves as a reminder of the risks associated with general aviation and highlights the importance of continued safety regulations and training standards for private aircraft.

Final Thoughts

The crash that killed Karenna Groff and her family has devastated not only her loved ones but also countless people inspired by her journey. From the fields of Weston to the labs of MIT and the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Groff showed what determination, kindness, and intelligence can achieve.

She leaves behind a legacy of hope, resilience, and excellence a legacy that will continue to inspire others, even in her absence.