KARENNA GROFF BIOGRAPHY- Karenna Groff (2000-2025), was a distinguished student-athlete, researcher, and aspiring physician whose life was tragically cut short at age 25 in a plane crash on April 12, 2025, while traveling with her family to celebrate her birthday.
KARENNA GROFF PROFILE
| Name | Karenna Groff |
| Real Name | Karenna Groff |
| Date Of Birth | 2000 |
| Date Of Death | 12 April 2025 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Athlete and Researcher |
| Religion | N/A |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
KARENNA GROFF BIOGRAPHY
Karenna Groff was born in 2000 and raised in Weston, Massachusetts, United States. She was the daughter of Dr. Michael Groff, a renowned neurosurgeon, and Dr. Joy Saini, a respected urogynecologist. From an early age, Karenna exhibited remarkable intelligence, compassion, and traits that would define her short yet impactful life. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her brother, Jared Groff, and was known for her discipline, warmth, and leadership even as a child.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Groff pursued her higher education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She earned a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering in 2022, followed by a master’s degree in the same field in 2023. At the time of her passing, she was enrolled at the Grossman School of Medicine at New York University, aiming to further her contributions to healthcare and research.
CAREER
While still a student, Karenna was actively engaged in scientific research and public health work. She:
- Co-founded the MIT Slums & Informal Settlements Research Group, focusing on health and infrastructure issues in under-resourced communities.
- Worked on genetic epilepsy research.
- Participated in public health projects in southern India, aimed at reducing maternal mortality.
- Contributed to openPPE, an initiative created during the COVID-19 pandemic to distribute protective gear.
Her dedication earned her national recognition in both science and sports.
Athletics and Honors
Karenna was also an accomplished soccer player. She played for the MIT women’s soccer team as a forward, eventually becoming team captain in 2021.
Her athletic performance was outstanding:
- 2nd all-time in goals and points at MIT.
- Named NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, a prestigious award recognizing excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
CONTROVERSIES
There are no known controversies associated with Karenna Groff. She was widely admired for her integrity, work ethic, and compassion.
PERSONAL LIFE
Groff had a loving relationship with her long-time boyfriend, James Santoro, who was also an MIT graduate and an Investment Associate at Silver Point Capital. James grew up in Tewksbury, New Jersey, and according to the families, he had been planning to propose to Karenna in the summer of 2025.
Her family included:
- Father: Dr. Michael Groff – neurosurgeon and pilot.
- Mother: Dr. Joy Saini – urogynecologist.
- Brother: Jared Groff – who perished alongside her.
- Jared’s partner: Alexia Couyutas Duarte.
KARENNA GROFF NET WORTH
Karenna Groff’s net worth is not publicly known.
DEATH
Tragically, Karenna Groff died on April 12, 2025, at the age of 25 in a plane crash in Copake, New York. The crash involved a twin-engine Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft piloted by her father, Dr. Michael Groff. The plane went down in a field while en route from West Virginia to Massachusetts. All seven people on board perished:
- Karenna Groff
- Dr. Michael Groff (father)
- Dr. Joy Saini (mother)
- Jared Groff (brother)
- Alexia Couyutas Duarte (Jared’s partner)
- James Santoro (Karenna’s boyfriend)
- The family’s dog
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still investigating the crash, which occurred after the pilot reported issues during the landing approach amid deteriorating weather.