The accident, which occurred over the weekend while the family was en route to a holiday gathering, has shocked communities as they mourn the loss of promising futures.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Esteemed MIT Athlete and Family in New York
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Esteemed MIT Athlete and Family in New York
A private plane crash in upstate New York has resulted in the tragic loss of six lives, including celebrated former MIT athlete Karenna Groff and her family.
A private aircraft carrying six passengers crashed in an open field in upstate New York on Saturday, with no survivors reported, according to local officials. Among the deceased was Karenna Groff, a distinguished former MIT football player, her parents, and her brother. The group was reportedly traveling for a family celebration when tragedy struck.
Authorities from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have confirmed that a video captured the plane moments before the crash, showing it in good condition as it descended rapidly towards the ground. A statement released by the family named the victims, which included Groff's parents, both respected medical professionals, her brother Jared, his partner Alexia, and Karenna's partner James Santoro.
James's father, John Santoro, expressed his sorrow: “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world.” Karenna Groff had been recognized as the NCAA's Woman of the Year in 2022 and was pursuing her medical studies at New York University, showcasing her dedication to helping others.
Reports from the New York Times indicated that Dr. Michael Groff, identified as an experienced pilot, was operating the aircraft; however, the family and authorities have yet to confirm this detail. NTSB official Todd Inman reported that the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft was found significantly damaged within a muddy agricultural field near Craryville, New York, shortly after the crash occurred.
As the NTSB launches an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, initial findings noted failed communication attempts with the pilot by air traffic control and indicated that the aircraft was flying under instrument flight rules. The investigation aims to pinpoint the cause of the crash, with results expected within the next year or two.
This devastating news comes only days after another tragic helicopter crash in New York claimed the lives of a family of Spanish tourists.
Authorities from the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have confirmed that a video captured the plane moments before the crash, showing it in good condition as it descended rapidly towards the ground. A statement released by the family named the victims, which included Groff's parents, both respected medical professionals, her brother Jared, his partner Alexia, and Karenna's partner James Santoro.
James's father, John Santoro, expressed his sorrow: “The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world.” Karenna Groff had been recognized as the NCAA's Woman of the Year in 2022 and was pursuing her medical studies at New York University, showcasing her dedication to helping others.
Reports from the New York Times indicated that Dr. Michael Groff, identified as an experienced pilot, was operating the aircraft; however, the family and authorities have yet to confirm this detail. NTSB official Todd Inman reported that the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft was found significantly damaged within a muddy agricultural field near Craryville, New York, shortly after the crash occurred.
As the NTSB launches an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, initial findings noted failed communication attempts with the pilot by air traffic control and indicated that the aircraft was flying under instrument flight rules. The investigation aims to pinpoint the cause of the crash, with results expected within the next year or two.
This devastating news comes only days after another tragic helicopter crash in New York claimed the lives of a family of Spanish tourists.
