Tragic Plane Crash Claims Life of MIT’s Karenna Groff, 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, and Her Family in Upstate NY – The Boston Globe

A tragic plane crash recently took the lives of six promising individuals, including Karenna Groff, a standout in both academics and athletics. Groff was honored as the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year. She achieved remarkable things during her time at MIT, earning a degree in Biological Engineering and making strides in clinical research aimed at improving epilepsy treatments for children.

The crash occurred on a Saturday, shortly after the twin-engine plane took off from Westchester County Airport in New York. About ten miles from their destination, the plane crashed in a field in Copake, New York. Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be intact just before it hit the ground at a steep angle. The investigation is ongoing, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working diligently at the scene. A full report could take up to two years to finalize.

Groff’s passionate dedication to helping others was evident throughout her life. Additionally, she co-founded the MIT Slums & Informal Settlements Research Group and volunteered as a counselor at Camp Kesem, supporting children affected by a parent’s cancer. Her commitment extended to leading her soccer team to the NCAA Division III tournaments multiple times, showcasing her leadership as a two-time captain.

The community is mourning the loss of a vibrant family. Groff’s boyfriend, Santoro, a finance graduate also from MIT, was planning to propose this summer, as shared by his father, John Santoro. "The world lost a lot of very good people… We’re all personally devastated," he said.

Experts in aviation safety stress that, despite advancements in technology, aviation tragedies still occur, often resulting from multiple factors. An NTSB board member indicated that the pilot had requested assistance from air traffic control before the crash but could not be reached afterward. This highlights the importance of communication and the challenges faced in emergency situations.

Current statistics indicate that, while flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, small aircraft have a higher accident rate compared to commercial flights. Between 2011 and 2020, private aviation accidents ranged between 300 to 400 yearly in the United States, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and pilot training.

As the investigation for this crash unfolds, efforts to remember and honor the lives lost continue. Groff’s achievements reflect her character and her potential to inspire those around her. She was not just a talented student and athlete; she was seen as a bright star ready to contribute significantly to society.

For more details on aviation safety and the latest updates on this incident, you can check out the NTSB website here.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the caliber of individuals we can lose in an instant. A collective effort to support one another and honor those we’ve lost is vital during such difficult times.

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