In memoriam: Karenna Groff ’22 MEng ‘23 and James Santoro ‘23
Dr. G. Anthony Grant: “This is a devastating loss for our athletics department and for the MIT community”
Karenna Groff ’22 MEng ’23 and James Santoro ’23 passed away in a private plane accident on April 12. Four others on board also passed, including Groff’s parents, Dr. Michael Groff and Dr. Joy Saini; her brother Jared and his partner, Alexia Couyutas Duarte.
Groff majored in Course 20 (Biological Engineering) and earned her MEng from the same department. She played varsity soccer and basketball, and won the 2022 NCAA Woman of the Year award. At the time of her passing, Groff was a second-year medical student at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.
In an email to the Biological Engineering community, Department Head and Professor Christopher Voigt wrote that Groff was “a beloved member of our community, participating widely in Camp Kesem, UROPs, MIT Emergency Services, amongst many other activities.” He added that she “will be missed by many.”
Santoro majored in Course 15-3 (Finance). He was a varsity lacrosse athlete. At the time of his passing, Santoro worked as an investment associate for Silver Point, a hedge fund based in Greenwich, Conn.
MIT Athletics released a statement on the passing of Groff and Santoro.
Martin Desmarais, Head Coach of Women’s Soccer, wrote that “Karenna was the face of MIT Women's Soccer during her time at MIT and in many ways is still the best example of a true MIT student-athlete — successful on the field, successful in the classroom, and a beloved teammate.” He added that Groff’s parents were active in hosting pre-season activities and helping out the program, writing that “their presence meant a lot to the team.”
Tyler O'Keefe, Head Coach of Men’s Lacrosse, wrote, “I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of James, a former member of our lacrosse program. I share my deepest condolences to the Santoro and Groff families, friends and all those affected by this loss, including the MIT men's lacrosse community and the MIT women's soccer community.”
Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics and DAPER Department Head, wrote, “Both Karenna and James were tremendous contributors to their sport teams, the institution, and their local communities.” Grant concluded in writing, “This is a devastating loss for our athletics department and for the MIT community. We offer our sincere condolences and grieve with the Groff and Santoro families as well as their loved ones."