COLUMBIA COUNTY, NY — In the wake of a devastating plane crash that claimed six lives in Columbia County on Saturday afternoon, the families of the victims have released a joint statement through a representative, identifying their loved ones and sharing heartfelt tributes to the lives lost.
“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved family members Michael, Jared, and Karenna Groff, Joy Saini, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and James Santoro who died tragically in Saturday afternoon’s plane crash in Columbia County, New York,” the statement reads. “We will remember them as the six brilliant, dynamic, and loving people that they were.
Among those killed was Karenna Groff, a medical student at NYU Langone in the Department of Neurosurgery. A standout scholar and athlete, Karenna graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2022, where she excelled as a soccer player and was named NCAA Woman of the Year during her senior year. She is survived by her sister, Anika, grandparents Stephen and Gebena Groff, and Kuljit Singh, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Her partner, James Santoro, also perished in the crash. Santoro, originally from Tewksbury, New Jersey, was a graduate of the Delbarton School and MIT, where he studied finance. He worked as an Investment Associate at Silver Point Capital and was widely known for his love of travel, literature, and life in New York City. Family members say James had been planning to propose to Karenna this summer. He is survived by his parents, Lisa and John, his sister Caroline, grandfathers John Santoro and Donald McCreery, and many loved ones.
Also among the victims was Alexia Couyutas Duarte, a 2023 graduate of Swarthmore College, where she studied economics and political science. A first-generation American with a deep commitment to immigration policy, Duarte had recently been accepted to Harvard Law School, where she was scheduled to begin this fall. She is survived by her mother, Claudia Duarte, siblings Maria Claudia, Ariana, and Constantinos, and her grandmother, Lolita.
Her partner, Jared Groff, was a 2022 Swarthmore College graduate who shared her passion for public service. Jared also studied economics and political science and was employed as a paralegal at DW Partners in New York City while considering law school offers for the fall. He is survived by his sister Anika, grandparents Stephen and Gebena Groff, Kuljit Singh, and an extended family who cherished him.
The couple was traveling with Jared’s parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, both esteemed medical professionals with long-standing careers dedicated to healing and service. Joy, originally from Punjab, India, immigrated to the United States and became a highly respected pelvic surgeon and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, where she specialized in women’s health. She completed her medical training at the University of Pittsburgh, where she met her future husband, Michael.
Michael Groff was a distinguished neurosurgeon and an experienced pilot, whose passion for flying began as a teenager under the guidance of his father. He frequently flew small aircraft recreationally and was reportedly piloting the plane at the time of the crash.
Michael and Joy are survived by their daughter Anika, as well as their extended family including siblings Rinne Groff (David Becker), Yram Groff (Merris), and Prashant Saini (Jennifer Cooper), and a large network of loved ones.
The families are asking for privacy as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced at a later time.
The crash remains under investigation by aviation authorities and the National Transportation Safety Board.
The post Former MIT soccer player named the 2022 NCAA woman of the year, Karenna Groff; father Michael Groff, mother Joy Saini, and her boyfriend, James Santoro identified among Columbia County plane crash victims first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
