A Tragic Loss: Dr. Joy Saini and Her Family Die in Plane Crash
Dr. Joy Saini, a respected Indian-origin doctor and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, tragically died in a plane crash with her husband and children during a family trip to the Catskills.
The crash occurred in Copake, New York, during Passover weekend. The small aircraft, a Mitsubishi MU-2B, was piloted by her husband, Dr. Michael Groff—an experienced neurosurgeon and licensed aviator.
This tragedy has sent shockwaves across both the medical and South Asian communities.
Who Was Dr. Joy Saini?
Dr. Joy Saini was a urogynecologist known for her dedication to women’s health. She founded Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, a clinic focused on pelvic care and wellness for women. Her work empowered thousands of women to seek support for issues often considered taboo.
Originally from Punjab, India, Dr. Saini immigrated to the U.S. with her parents. She built her life and career with passion and purpose. She met her husband, Michael Groff, while studying at the University of Pittsburgh.
Together, they shared not only a love for medicine but also a passion for flying. They often flew themselves on family trips—a tradition that ended in heartbreak.
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The Crash: What Happened?
On their way to the Catskills, the Groff family was flying in a Mitsubishi MU-2B, a twin-engine plane known for its speed and complexity. Dr. Michael Groff, the pilot, had flown it many times before.
According to preliminary reports from the NTSB, the pilot missed the initial approach and requested a new one. Sadly, he never responded to low-altitude alerts. The plane crashed at high speed into a muddy field and was found compressed and embedded in the soil.
The weather and visibility conditions at the time are still being investigated.
Remembering the Family
Dr. Joy Saini wasn’t the only bright light lost that day. Her family included:
- Dr. Michael Groff, her husband, a well-respected neurosurgeon and aviation enthusiast.
- Karenna Groff, their daughter, an MIT graduate and standout soccer player who was named NCAA Woman of the Year in 2022.
- Jared Groff, their son, a Swarthmore College graduate and paralegal.
- Alexia Couyutas Duarte, Jared’s partner, also a Swarthmore alum who was accepted to Harvard Law.
Dr. Saini is survived by another daughter, Anika, along with siblings and extended family.
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Dr. Joy Saini’s Enduring Legacy
Dr. Joy Saini’s work in women’s health continues to inspire. She was more than a doctor—she was a voice for immigrant women and underserved communities. Her clinic, Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, remains a symbol of her vision.
Her story reminds us of the human side of healthcare. She made a difference, not just through medicine, but through advocacy, love, and family.
