Jobaaj Stories
Remembering Karenna Groff: A Life Cut Short
The tragic plane crash in upstate New York that claimed six lives, including that of Karenna Groff, has sent shockwaves through the nation. This devastating loss impacts not only her immediate family but also the wider communities she touched—from the fields of MIT soccer to the halls of NYU medical school.
A Life of Excellence and Achievement
Karenna Groff, a 25-year-old Weston, Massachusetts native, was more than just a gifted athlete. She was the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, an accolade recognizing outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership. A former MIT soccer star, her talent on the field was matched by her dedication in the classroom, where she pursued a biomedical engineering degree. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to the co-founding of openPPE, a crucial initiative providing PPE to essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of her death, she was pursuing her medical degree at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving others.
The Devastating Crash
On April 12th, Karenna, along with her parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini (both esteemed physicians), her brother Jared, his partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's boyfriend James Santoro, were en route to a family celebration in the Catskills when their plane crashed. The Mitsubishi MU-2B went down near Copake, NY. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the accident, looking into factors such as weather conditions, pilot communication, and any possible mechanical issues. While a final report won’t be available for 12-24 months, preliminary investigations suggest the plane was largely intact before impact.
A Family of Achievers
Karenna’s family were all exceptionally accomplished individuals. Dr. Michael Groff was a leading neurosurgeon, Dr. Joy Saini a renowned urogynecologist, and Jared Groff a recent Swarthmore graduate planning a career in law. Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared's partner, was also a Swarthmore graduate accepted into Harvard Law School. James Santoro, Karenna's boyfriend, was an MIT graduate working in finance.
A Legacy of Inspiration
The loss of Karenna and her family is immeasurable. The outpouring of grief from across numerous communities—academia, medicine, athletics—testifies to their impact. Karenna’s legacy is one of dedication, perseverance, and a remarkable commitment to both personal excellence and selfless service. While the circumstances of her passing are tragic, her memory will serve as an inspiration to others for years to come.
