New York [US], April 14 (ANI): A tragic plane crash near Copake, New York, claimed the lives of six people on Saturday, including two surgeons, their two children, and the children’s partners, according to The New York Times.
The victims were traveling aboard a Mitsubishi MU-2B, a twin-engine aircraft, en route to Columbia County Airport near Hudson. The trip was reportedly planned for a 25th birthday celebration and Passover Seder.
Victims Identified:
- Dr. Michael Groff, pilot and neurosurgeon
- Dr. Joy Saini, pelvic surgeon
- Their daughter, Karenna Groff, a medical student at NYU Langone, former MIT soccer star, and 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year
- Karenna’s partner, James Santoro, an investment banker, who planned to propose this summer
- Their son, Jared Groff, a paralegal preparing for law school
- Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, who was set to attend Harvard Law School this fall
A family member, Jonathan Becker, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bard College, confirmed the identities and paid tribute:
“We will remember them as the six brilliant, dynamic and loving people that they were.”
Crash Details:
- The aircraft crashed in a muddy field near Two Town Road, about 10 miles from the intended destination.
- According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot reported a missed approach and requested guidance for a second attempt.
- Air traffic control lost contact shortly after receiving a low-altitude alert.
- There was no indication the plane was mechanically unsafe, according to NTSB investigator Albert Nixon.
- 14 NTSB investigators, along with experts from Mitsubishi and Honeywell, are examining the wreckage.
- Snow and mud on the ground hampered emergency response efforts.
The New York State Police, local fire departments, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after a 911 call was received around noon.
The tragedy follows several recent small aircraft accidents in New York, including a November 2024 crash involving four rescue dogs and a June crash that killed five family members near Binghamton.
The investigation into the cause of Saturday’s crash is ongoing.
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