The tragedy adds to a troubling string of fatal aviation incidents in 2025. Families of the victims are mourning the sudden loss of loved ones described as exceptional individuals destined to make a difference in the world. Karenna Groff had recently co-founded a PPE initiative during the pandemic and was studying at NYU Medical School,
while Santoro had begun a career in finance in Manhattan. Their story was one of shared ambition, talent, and love—cut short far too soon. “The world lost a lot of very good people,” said James’s father, John Santoro, as tributes poured in for the family. The loss has left their communities heartbroken, remembering not just what they achieved, but all they could have become.