What was supposed to be a joyful weekend of celebration in the Catskills ended in an unthinkable tragedy.
A private jet carrying six people—brilliant minds and beloved family members—crashed in a field in upstate New York, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak and unanswered questions.
Among the victims were two young rising stars, James Santoro and Karenna Groff, a couple who met during their freshman year at MIT and had been planning to get engaged this summer.
They were headed for a joint birthday and Passover celebration—one that sadly no one aboard the plane would ever make it to.
A Father’s Grief: “Their Suffering Is Over, Ours Has Just Begun”
John Santoro, James’ heartbroken father, is trying to process a loss no parent ever should.
In an emotional conversation with Boston 25 News, he shared his disbelief and sorrow.
“Still couldn’t believe it was true. I still don’t believe it’s true,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.
For John, the pain isn’t just from losing his son—it’s also from seeing the promising future James and Karenna had ahead of them vanish in an instant.
“Their suffering is over. Ours has just begun,” he said quietly, trying to make sense of the unimaginable.
Young Love and Bright Futures
James and Karenna weren’t just a couple—they were a team.
They met at MIT, bonded over their passions and ambitions, and built a life together.
After graduation, they moved to Manhattan. Karenna, an award-winning athlete and biomedical engineering student, was pursuing medical school at NYU.
James, a math major and lacrosse player, worked as an investment associate with Silver Point.
John Santoro spoke warmly of Karenna, describing her as a remarkable person full of light. “Karenna was a fantastic person,” he said.
“And after you met her parents, it became pretty clear where she got it from.”
A Family of Achievers Lost Too Soon
Karenna’s family—who were also on the plane—were equally accomplished. Her father, Dr. Michael Groff, was a respected neuroscientist. Her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, specialized in urogynecology.
Her brother Jared, a fellow high achiever, was onboard with his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte.
The crash claimed all of their lives, leaving a painful void not only for their loved ones but for the communities and fields they touched.
“They were a wonderful family,” Santoro shared with the Associated Press.
“The world lost a lot of very good people who were going to do a lot of good for the world if they had the opportunity.”
What Went Wrong in the Sky?
The private jet was approaching Columbia County Airport when the tragedy occurred.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the pilot had radioed in that he missed his first approach and was working on a new landing plan.
However, as air traffic control tried to issue a low altitude alert, there was no response from the pilot—and no distress call was ever made.
Investigators later reviewed video footage that captured the final moments of the flight.
The plane appeared to be fully intact but was descending rapidly before it slammed into the ground, suggesting a catastrophic loss of control.
A Loss Felt Far and Wide
As the investigation continues, the loved ones of those onboard are left grappling with their grief.
The legacy of James, Karenna, and their family will undoubtedly be remembered—not just for their academic and professional success, but for the kindness, ambition, and joy they brought into the world.
In the words of John Santoro, “We’re all personally devastated.”
The world has lost more than six individuals. It has lost a family with so much more to give.
