A private plane crashed in an open field in upstate New York on Saturday, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives, including members of a well-known family. Among the victims was Karenna Groff, a celebrated former athlete from MIT, along with her parents, her brother, his partner, and Karenna’s partner.
The Groff family was traveling for a holiday celebration when the accident occurred. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a video of the flight’s final moments showed the plane descending rapidly before it hit the ground.
In a heartfelt family statement, they described the Groffs as a wonderful family. James Santoro, Karenna’s partner, expressed deep sorrow, saying the world lost people who were destined to make a positive impact.
Karenna Groff wasn’t just an athlete; she was named Woman of the Year by the NCAA in 2022 during her final year at MIT. She was currently in medical school at New York University (NYU). Her parents were respected doctors, and her brother Jared worked as a paralegal, engaged to a woman who was preparing to attend Harvard Law School.
A representative from NYU praised Karenna’s dedication to patient care, highlighting her kindness and significant contributions to the community.
Reports indicate that Dr. Michael Groff, Karenna’s father, was piloting the plane. While the family has not confirmed this, NTSB officials noted that the aircraft was a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B and appeared to have impacted the terrain heavily.
The crash took place around midday as the family approached Columbia County Airport. Air traffic control made multiple attempts to reach the pilot but received no reply. The investigation is still ongoing, and it could take 12 to 24 months to determine the precise cause.
Recent statistics underscore the dangers associated with private aviation. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, small aircraft accidents have resulted in an average of 400 fatalities per year in the U.S. This incident comes on the heels of another small aircraft tragedy just days before, where six people—including a family of tourists—died in a helicopter crash in New York.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of not only a talented athlete like Karenna but also a family envisioned to make great contributions to society.
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