Tragic Hudson Valley Plane Crash: 6 Lives Lost in Private Aircraft Incident

A tragic plane crash occurred in a muddy field near Copake, New York, claiming the lives of all six people on board. This included two surgeons, their children, and their children’s partners. The families were traveling to celebrate a 25th birthday and Passover Seder.

The plane, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, was on its way to Columbia County Airport. Michael Groff, the pilot, was a neurosurgeon and seasoned pilot. His wife, Joy Saini, was a pelvic surgeon. Their daughter, Karenna Groff, was studying medicine at NYU Langone and was known as a standout soccer player at MIT, where she earned the title of NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022.

Karenna’s partner, James Santoro, worked in investment banking. He had plans to propose this summer. Her brother, Jared Groff, was a paralegal aiming to go to law school this fall, along with his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, who was set to attend Harvard Law School.

Jonathan Becker, a family member and academic leader at Bard College, shared heartfelt sentiments about the loss, emphasizing their brilliance and loving nature.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the crash, but times like these bring a stark reminder of the risks involved in aviation. In recent years, general aviation accidents have been on the decline, with the National Transportation Safety Board reporting a fall in accidents from 1,308 in 2001 to 1,218 in 2020. However, when accidents do occur, they often leave profound scars on families and communities.

Social media reactions have highlighted the grief, with friends and colleagues sharing their memories and tributes to the victims. As stories poured in, it was evident how many lives were touched by these six individuals.

This tragic event underscores the importance of safety in aviation, particularly in small aircraft. Pilots are highly trained, but unpredictability remains in any flight. It’s a reminder to cherish life and the loved ones around us.



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Airlines and Airplanes,Private Aircraft,Federal Aviation Administration,Columbia County (NY),Copake (NY)