The community of Weston is grappling with profound grief after the tragic loss of a family in a plane crash in upstate New York over the weekend. The private aircraft was en route to the Catskills to celebrate a birthday and Passover holiday when it crashed into a muddy field in Copake, close to the Massachusetts border, resulting in the deaths of all passengers on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board official, Todd Inman, indicated that overcast weather might have impaired the pilot’s visibility, although the precise cause remains undetermined. Preliminary investigations have not revealed any mechanical issues with the Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft.
The casualties of this heartbreaking incident include Karenna Groff, a noted former MIT soccer player and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year; her father, Dr. Michael Groff, a neuroscientist; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; her brother, Jared Groff, a 2022 Swarthmore College graduate and paralegal; James Santoro, Karenna’s boyfriend and MIT graduate; and Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared’s partner. Both Karenna and Jared were esteemed alumni of Weston High School.
In a statement, Weston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Karen Zalenski and Weston High School Principal Sue Bairstow expressed profound sadness over the loss of the Groff family, who were cherished members of the school community. They emphasized the heartbreaking nature of their untimely deaths and extended their condolences to those mourning this sudden tragedy.
James Santoro’s father, John Santoro, reflected on the couple’s plans, sharing that they were looking forward to a new chapter in New York City following their graduation from MIT and were planning to get engaged. He expressed disbelief at the devastating news.
Dr. Zalenski requested privacy for the grieving family and stressed the school community’s commitment to offering quiet support, compassion, and space for healing. The district has arranged for counselors to be available to students needing assistance and guidance.
A statement from the school highlighted that a family member, who did not board the flight, remains a student at the high school. The school reaffirmed the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
The aircraft was supposed to land at Columbia County Airport but tragically crashed approximately ten miles south of the destination. The NTSB anticipates that the completion of a full accident report could take between 12 to 24 months.
Community Impact
This tragic event has deeply affected the Weston community, highlighting the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of community support during periods of mourning. The loss resonates profoundly, emphasizing the significance of family, friendship, and community bonds.
While the investigation continues, the event serves as a poignant reminder for communities to come together and support one another in challenging times. The provision of emotional and counseling support to students and community members is crucial in navigating the emotional aftermath of such a tragedy.