Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff Members,

With profound sadness, we are writing to share that our community lost several members of its extended family this past weekend. Alexia Couyutas Duarte ’23, Jared Groff ’22, and Jared’s parents, Michael Groff ’88 and Joy Saini, died when their plane crashed on Saturday, April 12, in Copake, N.Y. Jared’s sister, Karenna Groff, and her partner, James Santoro, were also on the flight. 

Alexia’s survivors include her sister, Ariana Couyutas Duarte ’26, who was studying abroad when this tragedy occurred.

In the face of such devastating news, we recognize and celebrate all that these extraordinary individuals meant to us, as well as support those who knew, mentored, and loved them. And they were extraordinary:

Alexia, a first-generation American, graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in economics and political science. After graduation, she began her career as a legal intake specialist at the Rian Immigrant Center in Boston. Most recently, Alexia worked as a paralegal in the pro bono initiative unit at MetroWest Legal Services in Framingham, Mass. She had planned to attend Harvard Law School this fall.

Jared, originally from Weston, Mass., graduated with a B.A. in economics and political science. He was a four-year member of the men’s basketball team and contributed to squads that won a Centennial Conference championship and reached the NCAA Division III National Championship game for the first time in program history. Jared most recently worked as a paralegal at DW Partners in New York and planned to attend law school this fall. 

Michael was a neurosurgeon and the executive medical director of neuroscience at Rochester Regional Health. He and Joy, a pelvic surgeon and founder of Boston Pelvic Health and Wellness, met while training at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Their survivors include their daughter, Anika, who was recently admitted to Swarthmore’s Class of 2029.

We will celebrate their lives when and in ways that their families feel are most meaningful. While it is too soon to have details, we will share any public plans as they become available.

On behalf of everyone at Swarthmore, our hearts go out to the families and friends of those we lost on Saturday, and to everyone affected by their tragic passing. Please join us in sending them peace and light.

Sincerely,

Val Smith
President

Stephanie Ives
Vice President for Student Affairs

The College has resources to help support you through challenging times. Students may reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services or the Interfaith Center. The student deans in the Division of Student Affairs are also available to assist in a variety of ways. Faculty and staff members have access to support through our employee assistance program, Carebridge, which is secure and confidential.