NCAA Woman Of The Year Karenna Groff Dies In A Plane Crash

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we report the tragic death of Karenna Groff, the 2022 NCAA Woman Of The Year, in a devastating plane crash that happened in New York. This heartbreaking incident occurred in New York, and tragically, Karenna’s boyfriend, as well as her parents and two others, were also on board the ill-fated aircraft.

The devastating news of Karenna’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the sports community and beyond. The loss of such a remarkable athlete, a passionate advocate, and a beloved daughter, girlfriend, and friend is immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this tragic incident.

The twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B went down shortly after noon Saturday in a muddy field in Copake, New York, near the Massachusetts line, killing everyone on board, according to authorities and a family member who spoke to The Associated Press.

Shortly before the crash, the pilot had radioed air traffic control at Columbia County Airport to say he had missed the initial approach and requested a new approach plan, officials with the National Transportation Safety Board said at a Sunday briefing. While preparing the new coordinates, air traffic controllers attempted to relay a low altitude alert three times, with no response from the pilot and no distress call, officials said.

Among the victims were Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer player named the 2022 NCAA woman of the year; her father, a neuroscientist, Dr. Michael Groff; her mother, Dr. Joy Saini, a urogynecologist; her brother, Jared Groff, a 2022 graduate of Swarthmore College who worked as a paralegal; Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared Groff’s partner who also graduated Swarthmore and planned to attend Harvard Law School this fall; and Karenna Groff’s boyfriend, James Santoro, another recent MIT graduate, according to a family statement Sunday.

“They were a wonderful family,” James’ father, John Santoro, told AP. “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. We’re all personally devastated.”

Karenna’s legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and fellow athletes. May her strength, determination, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire future generations to strive for greatness, both on and off the playing field.

Rest in peace, Karenna Groff. You will be deeply missed, but your extraordinary accomplishments and the memories you created will never be forgotten.

Flip to the next page for reactions to the tragic death of Karenna Groff…

The post NCAA Woman Of The Year Karenna Groff Dies In A Plane Crash appeared first on BlackSportsOnline.