Remembering Karenna Groff: A Life of Brilliance, Love, and Tragedy
I still can’t wrap my head around this heartbreaking news. Karenna Groff—an extraordinary woman who touched so many lives—has tragically passed away, along with five of her beloved family members, in a devastating plane crash in upstate New York. It’s one of those stories that makes you stop in your tracks, take a breath, and reflect.
Karenna wasn’t just anyone. She was the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022—an honor that recognizes exceptional student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. That title alone says a lot, but Karenna was so much more than a title. She was a fierce soccer player, a compassionate soul, and a rising star in medicine. She played soccer for MIT, captaining the team and finishing her career as one of the best players in the school’s history. She was pursuing neurosurgery at NYU Langone, following in the footsteps of her parents—both respected surgeons themselves.
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The plane went down just 10 miles from its destination, Columbia County Airport, near Copake, New York. The crash killed Karenna, her partner James Santoro, her parents Joy Saini and Michael Groff, her brother Jared Groff, and Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte. All six of them—brilliant, dynamic, and deeply loved—were lost in an instant.
James, Karenna’s partner, had been planning to propose this summer. That detail especially tugs at the heart. They had a future ahead, one that was supposed to be filled with love, medicine, and shared dreams.
Michael Groff, Karenna’s father, was also the pilot. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the plane had reported a missed approach and was trying again when it suddenly lost altitude. Tragically, there was no distress call. No chance for a final message. Just silence, then heartbreak.
It’s hard to find words that match the gravity of this loss. A family of healers, athletes, leaders—gone. What they leave behind, though, is a legacy of love, brilliance, and resilience. Karenna lived with purpose, and she inspired everyone who knew her. Whether on the field, in the lab, or in the operating room, she was a force of nature.
My heart goes out to their extended family and friends. The world lost six remarkable souls, but their impact won’t be forgotten.
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