1 day Ago
Copake: Joy Saini, an Indian-origin doctor and pelvic health specialist, was among crashed into a muddy field in Copake, upstate New York, on Saturday. The plane was carrying a close-knit family of medical professionals and student-athletes on a trip to the Catskills for Passover and a birthday celebration. Joy Saini was born in Punjab, India, and later migrated to the United States with her parents, Kuljit and Gurdev Singh.
She trained as a doctor in the U.S. and specialised in pelvic health.
Saini was the founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, a clinic focused on advancing care in women’s health. The Times Union reported that Saini was a practising urogynecologist and pelvic surgeon, recognised for her work in the field and her commitment to women’s wellness. Saini earned her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
It was during her time there that she met her future husband, Michael Groff, who became a well-regarded neurosurgeon and an experienced pilot. Michael had been flying since the age of 16, trained by his father. Karenna, their daughter, a former MIT soccer player, was studying biomedical engineering and had won the prestigious NCAA Woman of the Year award in 2022.
Their son Jared graduated from Swarthmore College in 2022 and worked as a paralegal. He was in a relationship with Alexia Duarte, who also graduated from Swarthmore and had plans to join Harvard Law School. According to The Associated Press and Mid Hudson News, the victims included Saini; her husband, Dr Michael Groff; their children, Karenna and Jared Groff; Jared’s partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte; and Karenna’s boyfriend, James Santoro.
“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,” a family representative told Mid Hudson News. Joy Saini and Michael Groff are survived by their daughter, Anika; Michael’s parents, Stephen and Gebena Groff; Joy’s mother, Kuljit; and several siblings, including Rinne Groff, Yram Groff, and Prashant Saini, along with their spouses and extended family.
In a statement to the AP, James Santoro’s father said, “They were a wonderful family. 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.
” The on Saturday when the plane, piloted by Michael Groff, went down near the Massachusetts state line. The pilot had reportedly radioed Columbia County Airport to request a second approach after missing the initial one. Air traffic controllers issued three low-altitude alerts without receiving a response.
Todd Inman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said video footage from the scene showed the aircraft was intact before crashing at high speed into the ground. According to the NTSB, the aircraft was flying under instrument flight rules. Weather conditions and technical issues are being investigated as possible factors in the crash.
The upgraded cockpit, recently certified to FAA standards, and overall aircraft condition are also under review. A full report is expected within 12 to 24 months. Funeral arrangements for the victims are being planned.
(With inputs from agencies).
