Jobaaj Stories
💔 A Family of Achievers, Gone Too Soon
In a devastating accident near the Massachusetts-New York border, six members of a prominent family — deeply connected to Harvard, NYU, and MIT — were killed when their private plane went down in Copake, NY, on April 12.
But beyond the headlines, this wasn't just another crash. It marked the sudden and painful end of a legacy built on brilliance, public service, and love.
✈️ The Flight Meant for Celebration
The victims, led by Harvard Medical School professor and experienced pilot Dr. Michael Groff, were headed to the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and Passover weekend. Alongside him were:
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Dr. Joy Saini, a respected urologist and Michael’s wife
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Karenna Groff, 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, soccer star, and NYU medical student
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James Sontoro, Karenna’s partner and MIT graduate
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Jared Groff, Michael’s son
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Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared’s girlfriend
The family boarded Dr. Groff’s twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B — a complex aircraft known for its speed and controversial flight record — but never made it to their destination.
⚠️ What Went Wrong?
According to officials, the plane lost communication with air traffic control after a failed landing attempt at Columbia County Airport. A low-altitude alert was triggered before contact was lost. Moments later, the wreckage was discovered in a wooded area in Copake, just miles from the airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation.
🎓 A Community in Mourning
Harvard Medical School, MIT, and NYU have all released heartfelt tributes. Karenna, who was set to become a physician, had already left a mark in both academics and athletics.
“It’s impossible to put into words what this loss means to the communities they touched,” a friend of the family shared.
🛩️ The Plane That Raised Questions
Dr. Groff’s aircraft, the Mitsubishi MU-2B, has long had a controversial safety reputation. Though upgraded in recent years, its handling challenges require advanced pilot training.
Whether this played a role in the crash remains under investigation.
📌 What Makes This Story Different?
This wasn’t just a crash — it was the loss of generations of promise. Few stories combine medical brilliance, athletic greatness, and family bonds like this one. Their journey, meant to celebrate life, ended in a moment that stunned some of the most elite institutions in the country.
📸 A Final Tribute
Friends and colleagues are encouraging donations in memory of the Groff family to support future women in STEM, youth athletes, and medical students — areas where each victim left an impact.
