Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives Of Family Of Doctors

In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, Dr. Joy Saini, an Indian-origin pelvic surgeon, was among six individuals killed in a plane crash in Copake, New York, on Saturday, April 12, 2025. The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B, which was carrying a close-knit family of physicians and student-athletes, went down shortly after noon in a muddy field, leaving no survivors.

The victims included Dr. Saini, her husband Dr. Michael Groff, their daughter Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player and 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, their son Jared Groff, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's boyfriend, James Santoro. The group was reportedly en route to the Catskills to celebrate the Passover holiday when the crash occurred.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane had departed from Westchester County Airport and was set to land at Columbia County Airport. However, it crashed approximately 10 miles south of its intended destination. Just before the crash, the pilot communicated with air traffic control, indicating that he had missed the initial approach and requested a new plan. Unfortunately, air traffic controllers attempted to relay a low altitude alert three times without receiving any response from the pilot.

Eyewitness accounts and preliminary investigations revealed that the aircraft was flying under instrument flight rules, which require reliance on instruments rather than visual cues. NTSB official Todd Inman noted that video footage obtained from the crash site showed the aircraft was intact but descended at a high rate, crashing into the ground at approximately 12:06 p.m.

The crash site was described as compressed and buckled, embedded in the terrain of a muddy agricultural field. Inman stated that the ceiling was beginning to deteriorate at the time of the crash, indicating that visibility was worsening. The plane, which had been sold just a year prior, was equipped with an upgraded cockpit that met Federal Aviation Administration standards.

Dr. Joy Saini was a respected figure in her field, having founded Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness. Born in Punjab, India, she immigrated to the United States with her parents, Kuljit and Gurdev Singh. She earned her medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh, where she met her husband, Dr. Michael Groff, who became a prominent neurosurgeon and an experienced pilot.

Dr. Groff, who had been appointed executive medical director of neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health last summer, shared a passion for flying that began in his youth when his father taught him to fly at the age of 16. Together, the couple leaves behind their daughter, Anika Groff, who was not on the plane, and a large extended family.

The families of the victims released a statement expressing their devastation: "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. We will remember them as the six brilliant, dynamic, and loving people that they were." This heartfelt tribute underscores the profound impact the loss has had on their loved ones.

In addition to Dr. Saini and Dr. Groff, their daughter Karenna was a medical student at NYU Langone in the neurosurgery department. Her partner, James Santoro, had plans to propose to her this summer. Jared Groff, who graduated from Swarthmore College, was working as a paralegal, while his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, also a Swarthmore graduate, was set to attend Harvard Law School in the fall.

As the investigation into the crash continues, the NTSB has indicated that it will take 12 to 24 months to complete a full report. Meanwhile, the preliminary findings are expected within 30 days. The investigation will focus on various factors, including the aircraft's operational status and the weather conditions at the time of the crash.

The community has rallied around the families affected by this tragedy, with many expressing their condolences and support. Local officials have also offered assistance during this difficult time, highlighting the close-knit nature of the community and the widespread impact of the loss.

As the families prepare for funerals and memorials, the memories of Dr. Joy Saini and her family will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who knew them. In a world that often feels disconnected, this tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.