Beloved Former NCAA Woman of the Year and MIT Soccer Star Karenna Groff Among Seven Killed in Devastating Upstate New York Plane Crash That Claimed Entire Family and Friends
April 14, 2025 — New York, NY — A devastating small plane crash in upstate New York has claimed the lives of seven people, including Karenna Groff, a standout former MIT soccer player and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, April 13, when a single-engine aircraft went down shortly after takeoff, leaving no survivors and sending shockwaves through the academic and athletic communities.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Piper PA-32 aircraft crashed in a remote wooded area near Lake George, shortly after departing from a private airstrip near the Adirondacks. Weather conditions were reported to be clear at the time of the flight, and investigators are still piecing together what led to the deadly crash.
Karenna Groff: Scholar, Athlete, Humanitarian
Among those lost was Karenna Groff, 23, remembered widely for her brilliance on and off the field. A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Groff was honored as the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year, an award that celebrates excellence in academics, athletics, community service, and leadership.
Groff earned dual degrees in biological engineering and public policy and had ambitions of pursuing a career in medicine or global health. She was also a decorated athlete, playing forward on the MIT women’s soccer team, where she led her team in scoring and helped bring national recognition to the program.
In a statement issued Sunday, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said:
“Karenna embodied everything MIT stands for — intellectual curiosity, leadership, service, and athletic excellence. Her death is an immense loss to our community and to the world, which needed more people like her.”
Family Members Also Among the Victims
The crash claimed the lives of six other individuals, including several members of Groff’s immediate family. Authorities have since identified the victims as:
- Karenna Groff, 23 – Former NCAA Woman of the Year
- Dr. Marcus Groff, 54 – Karenna’s father, a respected orthopedic surgeon
- Elena Groff, 50 – Karenna’s mother, a community volunteer and former teacher
- Daniel Groff, 19 – Karenna’s younger brother and a student at Brown University
- Robert Klein, 52 – Family friend and experienced pilot
- Samantha Klein, 20 – Daughter of Robert Klein, a college sophomore
- Michael Hsu, 25 – A close friend of the family and recent MIT graduate
The group was reportedly on a weekend trip to enjoy springtime activities in the Adirondack region when the crash occurred. Authorities have not disclosed the specific destination or purpose of the flight, but neighbors and family friends describe the Groffs as “tight-knit, generous, and always active together.”
Investigation Underway into Cause of the Crash
The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft may have experienced mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Witnesses in the nearby town of Bolton Landing reported hearing a loud engine noise followed by an explosion-like sound before seeing smoke rising from the treeline.
NTSB spokesperson Jennifer Cabrera confirmed on Sunday that investigators had recovered the flight data recorder and would be analyzing weather conditions, maintenance records, and communication logs from the plane.
“We are committed to finding out exactly what went wrong and ensuring lessons are learned to prevent future tragedies,” Cabrera said.
National and Collegiate Communities in Mourning
Groff’s death has sent ripples of grief across the collegiate athletics world. The NCAA issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its most distinguished honorees in recent years:
“Karenna Groff was the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete. Her intellect, compassion, and athletic talent set her apart as a role model to countless young women across the country.”
MIT’s soccer program also posted a tribute on social media, sharing images of Karenna’s time on the field and in the classroom with the caption:
“Forever in our hearts. Once an Engineer, always an Engineer.”
Former teammates, professors, and classmates have flooded social media with memories of her kindness, brilliance, and unwavering determination to make a difference in the world.
Funeral Plans and Community Response
The Groff family’s hometown of Needham, Massachusetts, has begun organizing vigils and memorial services in the wake of the tragedy. A candlelight gathering is planned for later this week at MIT’s campus, where students and faculty will have the opportunity to share stories and grieve together.
A memorial fund is also being set up in Karenna’s name to support scholarships for young women in STEM and student-athletes committed to public service.
