'Devastated': Loved Ones, Friends Mourn Those Lost In Deadly HV Crash

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Four days after a deadly plane crash in the Hudson Valley took the lives of six souls, the enormity of unthinkable loss continues to envelop those left behind.

"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," according to a family statement.

Each of the lives lost was bright with promise and rich with accomplishment.

Those onboard included a close-knit family of reputed physicians and student-athletes, including the "2022 NCAA Woman of the Year," Karenna Groff, on a journey to the Catskills for a birthday celebration and the Passover holiday, according to the AP.

But what should have a peaceful time for making holiday memories and sharing moments ended tragically as the plane crashed in the midst of "deteriorating weather" Saturday into a muddy field, sparking a massive response and an ongoing investigation.

Joy Saini and Michael Groff were parents of Karenna and Jared.

Michael Groff was a neurosurgeon and the pilot who got his license at the age of 16. Saini was an accomplished pelvic surgeon. Jared Groff was a paralegal who was weighing law school acceptance for the fall, and Couyutas Duarte, Jared Groff's girlfriend, was passionate about immigration law and policy and was accepted to Harvard Law School this fall.

Those who perished included Swarthmore College alumni Couyutas Duarte, Class of 2023; Jared Groff, Class of 2022; and Jared Groff's father Michael, class of 1988.

Santoro, Karenna Groff's partner, was a graduate of the Delbarton School and MIT, where he studied finance, and employed as an Investment Associate at Silver Point Capital.

Couyutas Duarte's sister, Ariana Couyutas Duarte ’26, was studying abroad when the crash occurred, according to the school.

"In the face of such devastating news, we recognize and celebrate all that these extraordinary individuals meant to us, as well as support those who knew, mentored, and loved them," Swarthmore's statement read. "And they were extraordinary."

According to Swarthmore, Couyutas Duarte was a first-generation American who graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor of arts in economics and political science. After graduation, she began her career as a legal intake specialist at the Rian Immigrant Center in Boston. Most recently, Alexia worked as a paralegal in the pro bono initiative unit at MetroWest Legal Services in Framingham, Massachusetts. She had planned to attend Harvard Law School this fall.

Jared Groff, originally from Weston, Massachusetts, graduated with a bachelor of arts in economics and political science, the school said. He was a four-year member of the men’s basketball team and contributed to squads that won a Centennial Conference championship and reached the NCAA Division III National Championship game for the first time in program history. Jared most recently worked as a paralegal at DW Partners in New York and planned to attend law school this fall.

Michael Groff was a neurosurgeon and the executive medical director of neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health, according to the college. "He and Joy, a pelvic surgeon and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, met while training at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine," the school said. "Their survivors include their daughter, Anika, who was recently admitted to Swarthmore’s Class of 2029."

Groff was mourned by Rochester Regional Health: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of Michael Groff, MD, executive medical director of meurosciences at Rochester Regional Health.

"Dr. Groff was more than a physician — he was a visionary leader, a gifted neurosurgeon, a dedicated mentor, and a compassionate human being whose impact reached far beyond the operating room. In his time with us, he brought a bold vision to expand access to world-class neurological care, and he led that work with remarkable humility, integrity, and heart," the post said. "Though his time at Rochester Regional was far too short, the legacy he leaves behind is lasting. His contributions to neurosurgery, through education, research, and innovation, have touched the lives of countless patients and inspired the next generation of surgeons around the world. We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Groff’s family, friends, patients, and to the many colleagues who had the privilege of working with him."

The post continued: "This is a profound loss for our health system and our community. We are grateful for the time we had with Dr. Groff. His presence, leadership, and passion for his work made a difference. He will be deeply missed, and never forgotten."

The school added: "On behalf of everyone at Swarthmore, our hearts go out to the families and friends of those we lost on Saturday, and to everyone affected by their tragic passing. Please join us in sending them peace and light."

Santoro was on board the flight with his girlfriend Karenna.

"He was looking forward to proposing to his love Karenna, this summer," according to a statement from the families of those on board.

He is a graduate of the Delbarton School and MIT, where he studied finance. Santoro was an Investment Associate at Silver Point Capital.

"He loved his friends, traveling, reading, and living in New York City," according to a family statement.

MIT Athletics issued heartfelt statements about Santoro's and Groff's passing: "I am shocked and truly saddened by news of the plane accident that has tragically taken the lives of Karenna, James and four other extraordinary people, including Karenna's father and mother, who were great fans and supporters of the women's soccer team," said Dr. G. Anthony Grant, director of athletics/DAPER department head. "Both Karenna and James were tremendous contributors to their sport teams, the institution, and their local commundities. They had great promise for the future, as did Karenna's brother, a former collegiate student-athlete at Swarthmore, and her brother's partner. We also send our condolences to the Swarthmore Athletics community, as I'm sure, like our community at MIT, that they are heartbroken today. This is a devastating loss for our athletics department and for the MIT community. We offer our sincere condolences and grieve with the Groff and Santoro families as well as their loved ones."

Martin Desmaris, head women's soccer coach, added: "Karenna was the face of MIT Women's Soccer during her time at MIT and in many ways is still the best example of a true MIT student-athlete — successful on the field, successful in the classroom and a beloved teammate. She won just about every award you could win playing college soccer, but I have no doubt that her favorite part about playing was just being with her teammates on the soccer field every day. She loved her teammates, she loved the game of soccer, and she loved competing as a college athlete. More than anything I will always remember how hard she worked to become one of the best players our program has ever had and how she was always smiling around the game. She just loved playing soccer."

He added: "I would also just like to say that her parents, Michael and Joy, also had a big impact on MIT Women's Soccer during Karenna's time on the team. They hosted the team every preseason for a pool party and cookout at their house and helped with other activities around games during the season. With a team full of players from all over the country, they were often one of the few local parents that could easily be at games and their presence meant a lot to the team."

And, said Tyler O'Keefe, Walter Alessi head coach of men's lacrosse: "I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of James, a former member of our lacrosse program. I share my deepest condolences to the Santoro and Groff families, friends and all those affected by this loss, including the MIT men's lacrosse community and the MIT women's soccer community."

A statement from the FAA said that a Mitsubishi MU-2B crashed in a field near Copake at around 12:15 p.m. The aircraft was headed to Columbia County Airport in Hudson. Six people, the pilot and five passengers, were on board and all lost their lives, the FAA said.

According to a statement from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Mitsubishi MU-2B-40, N635TA, a private plane, was destroyed when it crashed.

"NTSB investigators are responding and are collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. All aspects of this accident remain under investigation," the statement read.

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days from the date of the accident. The preliminary report will contain factual information gathered during the initial phase of the investigation. A probable cause of the crash and any contributing factors will come in the final report, which is expected in 12 to 24 months.

Speaking with the media in a second update Monday, NTSB board member Todd Inman paid solemn respect to those who perished.

"On behalf of all the NTSB, our sincerest condolences to all who lost loved ones in that crash," he said. "It's truly a tragedy. We hate that, for the families. It’s never an easy thing, and our thoughts are with them. Very much so."

The NTSB's family assistance group is working to help and inform families and survivors; they will continue that support throughout the entire investigation, he said.

Inman explained that in the hours after the crash, an organizational meeting was held, with various groups created to facilitate the investigation.

A drone team was at the site, and had provided a "full aerial view" of the wreckage and surrounding area. In addition, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office had provided about 1,000 images of the area, "post impact," which were very helpful. "The entire community has been very welcoming," Inman said.

Inman detailed steps of the investigation, including interviews with all air traffic controllers connected to the flight; an air traffic controller from Harrisburg, PA will also be interviewed as they have a similar-sized control tower.

Some pieces of equipment have been pulled from the aircraft itself; some are damaged. "None are in pristine condition due to the force of impact," Inman said, adding that they may be useful in the laboratory to determine if they were working. Multiple memory cards have also been retrieved, he said. Both engines will ultimately be torn down in Phoenix, AZ and examined, he said.

The extraction of the aircraft was slated to be completed by Tuesday night; the plane will then be moved to a secure place in Massachusetts, where a thorough investigation will continue, Inman said.

Inman also broke down the details of what NTSB has determined so far: The flight was the second of the day, leaving at 9:30 a.m. from Norwood Memorial Airport in Massachusetts, and landing in White Plains at 10:19 a.m. Then, it left White Plains at 11:34 a.m., headed to Columbia County Airport before "it was lost on the screens and found, post impact," he said.

Automated weather conditions were recorded at Columbia County Airport just four minutes prior to the crash, Inman said, noting that the crash scene was 10 minutes from the airport.

"The weather was deteriorating at that time," Inman said.

Officials told Patch that the conditions were overcast at the time, and there had been snow earlier in the morning.

On Saturday, Columbia County Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore updated the press and said the plane crashed in the middle of a "pretty muddy" field, making access difficult.

Teams are working to gather all pertinent weather data from the time of the crash, officials said.

In a media briefing on Sunday, NTSB officials said that shortly before the crash, the pilot told air traffic control at Columbia County Airport that he had missed his initial approach, and requested a new approach plan. While preparing the new approach plan, air traffic controllers tried to alert the pilot to a dangerously low altitude at least three times, but got no response from the pilot and never received a distress call.

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With reporting by Alexis Tarrazi and Max Bennett