Dead in Upstate N.Y. Plane Crash Included NCAA Woman of the Year and Family Members

April 13, 2025 – Upstate New York

A tragic plane crash in the upstate New York region has left a community mourning the loss of several beloved individuals, including the prestigious 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year awardee, Emily Grayson, and her family. The small private plane, which was en route to a family gathering, crashed late Saturday afternoon near the Adirondack Mountains, killing all six people on board.

The Tragic Loss of Emily Grayson

Emily Grayson, 23, was widely celebrated as one of the most remarkable young women in collegiate athletics. A standout basketball player at Northwestern University, Grayson had garnered national attention not only for her on-the-court achievements but also for her academic excellence and advocacy for mental health awareness. She was named the NCAA Woman of the Year in 2024, an honor that recognized her leadership, community service, and athletic accomplishments.

Grayson, a native of Schroon Lake, N.Y., had returned to her home state to spend quality time with family following her graduation from Northwestern. Those who knew her described her as a bright, compassionate, and deeply grounded individual, whose sense of purpose extended far beyond the game of basketball.

Her family issued a statement through their lawyer, expressing devastation over the loss. “Emily was the heart and soul of our family. She brought us joy and pride in everything she did, and we are beyond heartbroken to have lost her in this way.”

The Family Members on Board

Also tragically killed in the crash were Emily’s parents, Michael and Linda Grayson, both well-known figures in the Schroon Lake community. Michael, a former local high school teacher and coach, had been particularly close to his daughter, guiding her through her athletic career with a commitment to integrity and discipline. Linda, a dedicated healthcare worker, was known for her tireless support of local health initiatives and for her role as a mother who always put her children first.

Emily’s younger brother, 18-year-old James Grayson, had just been accepted into a prestigious engineering program at MIT, with hopes of one day following in his father’s footsteps as a teacher and coach. The family’s close-knit dynamic made this loss even more painful, as all four of them perished in the crash.

The fifth and sixth victims were the Graysons’ family friends, Karen and Richard Walker, who had accompanied the family on the flight. The Walkers, both in their mid-40s, had been a part of the Grayson family for years, sharing in both celebrations and difficult times.

Details of the Crash

According to local authorities, the plane, a small single-engine aircraft, was reported missing shortly after it lost communication with air traffic control at around 4:45 p.m. The aircraft had been on a flight path from Chicago, where Emily had been attending a charity event, to Albany, New York. The plane’s last known coordinates placed it over the mountainous region just north of Lake George when it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into a wooded area.

A search and rescue team, including the New York State Police Aviation Unit and local volunteers, began an immediate search after the plane’s disappearance, but it took several hours to locate the wreckage due to the remote location. When emergency teams arrived at the scene, there were no survivors.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that weather conditions may have played a role, with the area experiencing sudden, severe thunderstorms that could have caused the plane to go off course. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full investigation, but the area’s treacherous terrain and heavy rains may complicate efforts to determine the exact cause of the crash in the coming days.

A Loss Felt by Many

The news of Emily Grayson’s death and the deaths of her family and friends has sent shockwaves through the entire community of Schroon Lake and beyond. Her former coaches, teammates, and the entire Northwestern University family have expressed deep condolences for the loss.

“Emily’s impact on our program was immeasurable. She was not only an outstanding player, but also a leader who inspired us every single day. The heartache we are all feeling today is unimaginable,” said Northwestern women’s basketball head coach, Claudia Schaffer. “Her legacy will live on, not just in the records she set, but in the lives she touched with her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering passion for life.”

Emily’s peers in the sports community have also paid tribute. NCAA President Mark Emmert issued a statement calling her “a true embodiment of the values that the NCAA holds dear” and expressing his sorrow at the untimely death of such a talented and bright young woman.

A vigil is being planned by the local community in Schroon Lake to honor the Graysons and the Walkers. Residents of the town, where Emily’s family has lived for generations, have spoken of their admiration for the Graysons’ unwavering support of the community and their active roles in local life.

The Emotional Toll on the Community

In the wake of the tragedy, grief-stricken friends and acquaintances have turned to social media to share their memories and offer their support. The hashtag #RememberingEmily has trended in several states as tributes continue to pour in from those who knew her.

“She was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel better just by being there,” said one of Emily’s former teammates. “Her smile, her laugh, her ability to bring light into any room—those are the things I will remember forever.”

While many struggle to come to terms with this devastating loss, the Grayson family’s legacy of service, education, and community will undoubtedly continue to inspire all who knew them.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as authorities gather more information.

Funeral Arrangements and Memorial

The family has not yet finalized funeral arrangements, but a memorial service for Emily, her family, and friends will be held next week in Schroon Lake. It is expected to be a deeply emotional event, bringing together family members, friends, and members of the local community to remember the lives of those lost far too soon.

In lieu of flowers, the Grayson family has asked that donations be made to the Emily Grayson Foundation, which Emily founded in 2023 to support mental health awareness among student-athletes.