NCAA woman of the year among those killed in New York plane crash: 'Lost a lot of very good people'

A tragic plane crash in New York claimed the lives of six individuals, including Karenna Groff, a former MIT soccer star and the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year. The crash occurred when a Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, owned by Dr. Michael Groff, plunged into a muddy field near Copake while en route to Columbia County Airport. The victims, largely from the Groff family, included Karenna's parents, her brother Jared Groff, and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte, along with Karenna's boyfriend, James Santoro. The pilot had reported a missed approach and requested new coordinates but failed to respond to subsequent alerts from air traffic control.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is conducting an investigation that may take up to two years to determine the cause of the crash. Initial observations revealed the aircraft was intact before descending rapidly into the ground. The plane had a recently upgraded cockpit with FAA-certified technology, and the pilot operated under instrument flight rules. The tragedy has deeply affected those who knew the victims, with John Santoro, James's father, expressing profound grief over the loss of a family he described as "wonderful" and full of potential to contribute positively to society.
RATING
The news story provides a comprehensive and largely accurate account of a tragic plane crash in New York, effectively conveying the key details and human impact. The article scores well in dimensions such as accuracy, timeliness, and readability, offering clear and timely information supported by credible sources. However, it could benefit from more diverse perspectives and deeper exploration of the investigation's implications for aviation safety.
The story engages readers through its emotional narrative and the inclusion of personal stories, although it could enhance engagement further with interactive elements and expert opinions. While not inherently controversial, the article touches on issues that could provoke debate, such as aviation safety regulations and technology upgrades.
Overall, the article succeeds in informing the public about the incident and its investigation, while highlighting the broader significance of aviation safety. It maintains a balanced and clear presentation, with room for improvement in source diversity and deeper exploration of potential systemic issues revealed by the investigation.
RATING DETAILS
The news story accurately reports the tragic incident of a plane crash in New York, providing specific details such as the type of aircraft, the location, and the identities of the victims. The article states that a Mitsubishi MU-2B plane crashed in a muddy field in Copake, New York, which is confirmed by multiple sources. The identities of the victims, including Karenna Groff and her family, are also accurately reported and supported by credible sources.
However, there are areas that require further verification, such as the communication details between the pilot and air traffic control and the specific condition of the aircraft at the time of the crash. While the article mentions that the pilot requested a new approach plan and did not respond to a low altitude alert, these details would benefit from additional corroboration from official reports or recordings. Overall, the story is largely accurate, but some specific claims need further evidence to be fully verified.
The article presents a balanced account of the incident, focusing on the factual events of the crash and the identities of those involved. It does not exhibit overt bias or favoritism towards any party. The narrative includes perspectives from family members, such as James Santoro's father, which adds a human element to the report.
However, the article could have provided more context or viewpoints regarding the ongoing investigation by the NTSB. Including statements from aviation experts or additional perspectives from the investigation team would enhance the depth of coverage and provide a more comprehensive view of the incident's implications.
The article is well-structured and clearly written, making it easy for readers to follow the sequence of events. The language is straightforward and neutral, effectively conveying the tragic nature of the incident without sensationalism.
The narrative flows logically, beginning with the crash details and then moving on to the identities of the victims and the investigation. However, the inclusion of unrelated headlines, such as the helicopter crash, could cause minor confusion for readers. Overall, the article maintains clarity in its presentation of information.
The article relies on credible sources such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and statements from family members. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the subject matter, enhancing the story's credibility.
The inclusion of contributions from Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press further supports the reliability of the reporting. However, the article could improve by citing more diverse sources, such as aviation experts or other news organizations, to provide a broader perspective on the incident and its investigation.
The article is transparent in its reporting, clearly stating the sources of information, such as the FAA and NTSB. It also attributes quotes and details to specific individuals, like John Santoro, which adds to the transparency of the narrative.
However, the article could benefit from more explicit disclosure of the methodology used to gather information, particularly regarding the technical aspects of the crash and the investigation. Providing more insight into how the information was obtained and any potential limitations would enhance the transparency and reliability of the report.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Hudson_River_helicopter_crash
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmFMdcWaNZ8
- https://cbs6albany.com/news/fred-dicker/six-dead-after-plane-crash-in-eastern-new-york
- https://www.wftv.com/news/dead-upstate-new/MBPUJ3UIVNEDLICQ2P4C4IME3I/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/hudson-river-helicopter-crash/
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

Top former college athlete among six dead in New York plane crash
Score 7.6
At least one dead after small plane crashes in upstate New York
Score 7.4
Small plane crashes into home near Minneapolis and ignites fire, officials say
Score 7.8
Gov. Hochul, make sure New York’s assisted suicide bill NEVER becomes law
Score 3.8