Craryville, New York – A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend as a private plane carrying six individuals crashed in an open field in upstate New York, resulting in the loss of all on board, authorities confirmed. Among the victims were celebrated former Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) football player Karenna Groff, her parents, her brother, and additional family members, as revealed in a family statement. The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) disclosed that the family was en route to a holiday celebration when the crash occurred.

The heartbreaking incident involved a joint family statement identifying the victims, including Karenna Groff, her parents Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini, her brother Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s partner James Santoro. Relatives described the individuals as a beloved and accomplished family that held great promise for making positive contributions to the world. Karenna Groff, a former standout athlete, had been honored as the Woman of the Year by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) during her senior year at MIT before pursuing medical studies at New York University (NYU).

The New York Times reported that the plane’s pilot was Dr. Groff, Karenna’s father, who had been described as experienced in a family statement. NTSB officials provided details on the crash, indicating that the aircraft – a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B – was found severely damaged in a muddy field near Craryville. The investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash, with a final report expected from the NTSB within the next 12 to 24 months.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, tributes poured in for the Groff family and their companions, highlighting their exceptional talents, aspirations, and influence within their respective fields. The aviation community also mourned the loss, with authorities emphasizing the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NTSB remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation to shed light on the events leading to the devastating crash in upstate New York.