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Four victims of a tragic plane crash in Columbia County were laid to rest this week. The crash, which occurred last Saturday (April 12), claimed the lives of all six people on board the Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 aircraft. The victims were traveling to the Catskills for a birthday and Passover holiday celebration when the plane went down near Copake, about 12 miles from Columbia County Airport.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with weather conditions potentially playing a role. According to Times Union, the aircraft missed an approach at the airport and was attempting a second when it crashed. The pilot, Dr. Michael Groff, did not respond to air traffic control's low altitude alert.
The victims included Dr. Michael Groff, his wife Dr. Joy Saini, their children Karenna and Jared Groff, Jared's partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna's partner James Santoro. Swarthmore College mourned the loss of several alumni, including Jared and Alexia, who were both planning to attend law school. Karenna was a former MIT soccer player and NCAA Woman of the Year.
The NTSB expects to release a preliminary report in about 30 days, with a final report likely taking up to a year. Family members have requested privacy during this difficult time.