Karenna Groff, Michael Groff, and James Santoro were among the six victims of a tragic plane crash in Copake, New York, on April 13, 2025. The crash involved a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft piloted by Dr. Michael Groff and claimed the lives of all on board.
The victims were members of a close-knit family travelling for a Passover celebration and a birthday gathering.
Karenna Groff, Michael Groff, and James Santoro
Karenna Groff
Karenna was a 25-year-old former MIT soccer star and biomedical engineer who had been named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022 for her academic, athletic, and social contributions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-founded openPPE, which designed safer masks for frontline workers. Karenna was pursuing medical studies at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and living in Manhattan with her long-time partner, James Santoro.
Michael Groff
Michael Groff, Karenna’s father, was an experienced neurosurgeon and certified pilot. He had been flying the plane at the time of the crash. Michael was known for his contributions to medicine and his dedication to his family.
James Santoro
James Karenna’s boyfriend was also aboard the plane. A math graduate from MIT and a former lacrosse player, James worked as an investment associate at Silver Point Capital in Greenwich, Connecticut. He and Karenna met during their first year at MIT and have been inseparable since.
The crash also claimed the lives of Dr. Joy Saini (Karenna’s mother and Michael’s wife), Jared Groff (Karenna’s brother), and Alexia Couyutas Duarte (Jared’s partner). The family has been remembered for their extraordinary achievements in medicine, sports, and academia, as well as their potential to contribute greatly to society.