Tragic Plane Crash Near Copake, NY Claims Six Lives, Including Former MIT Athlete and Family Members, as NTSB Investigates

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday when a private plane carrying six individuals crashed in an open field near Copake, New York. The aircraft was en route to Columbia County Airport in Ghent for a planned holiday celebration with family. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crash happened as the plane was preparing for a second landing attempt.

Federal officials, including representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), held a news conference on Sunday to provide details about the incident. They confirmed that all six individuals on board were removed from the crash site, and no survivors were reported. Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore stated that at least one person was killed, although the exact number of fatalities was not specified at the time.

The individuals on board were identified as Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year; her father, Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; and her brother, Jared Groff, a 2022 graduate of Swarthmore College. Additionally, family friend John Santoro confirmed that his adult son, James Santoro, a recent MIT graduate, was among those who perished in the crash.

The NTSB is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. As the investigation unfolds, officials are working to gather more information about the circumstances leading up to the accident. The aviation community and the families affected by this tragedy are awaiting further updates from the authorities.