Punjab-Born Surgeon Joy Saini Among Six Killed in New York Plane Crash
Dr. Joy Saini, a Punjab-born urogynecology specialist and founder of Boston Pelvic Health & Wellness, tragically lost her life in a plane crash in New York along with five family members. The small aircraft, piloted by her husband Michael Groff, crashed approximately 10 miles short of Columbia County Airport while en route from Westchester County Airport on April 13.
Also on board were the couple’s children, Karenna and Jared Groff, Jared’s partner Alexia Couyutas Duarte, and Karenna’s boyfriend James Santoro. Their third child, Anika, was not on the flight. The family was headed to the Catskills for a birthday and Passover celebration.
Dr. Saini, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child with parents Kuljit and Gurdev Singh, was a renowned expert in pelvic reconstructive surgery and served in clinical roles at NYU, Indiana University, and UMass Memorial Medical Centre. She was dedicated to women’s healthcare and mentored numerous fellows in her field.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed the aircraft crashed during a second approach attempt. Investigators reported the plane was “compressed and embedded in terrain,” with a full report expected in up to two years.
Karenna Groff, an MIT graduate and NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022, had recently begun medical school at NYU.
The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the medical and academic communities. The FAA and NTSB continue their joint investigation into the crash.
