A tragic plane crash in upstate New York has claimed the lives of five members of a Georgia family who were returning home from a baseball tournament. The victims, identified as Roger Beggs, 76; Laura Van Epps, 43; Ryan Van Epps, 42; James R. Van Epps, 12; and Harrison Van Epps, 10, were traveling back to Georgia from Cooperstown, New York, where they had attended a baseball event.
The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday when authorities were alerted to a possible plane crash near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, a town in Delaware County. The family was aboard a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage, which had departed from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York. The plane was scheduled to make a refueling stop in West Virginia before continuing to its final destination at Cobb County International Airport outside Atlanta.
Multiple agencies, including the New York State Police, used drones, ATVs, and helicopters to locate the debris and the downed aircraft. Unfortunately, all five passengers were found deceased at the crash site. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and Van Epps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them.”
The family had traveled to Cooperstown to watch 12-year-old James Van Epps play in a baseball tournament. The town is well-known for being the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim Van Epps, the father of Ryan Van Epps, described the loss as a “massive tragedy” for the family, emphasizing the bright futures of his grandsons, who were excelling in both academics and sports.
Roger Beggs, who held a pilot’s license, had volunteered to fly the family to New York for the tournament. The plane was en route to Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, with a planned stop in West Virginia for refueling when the crash occurred.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are collaborating with the FAA and NTSB to determine the cause of the crash. An NTSB investigator was expected to arrive at the crash site on Monday to begin documenting the scene and examining the wreckage. The investigation will focus on various factors, including the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment, such as weather conditions.
King’s Ridge Christian School, where James and Harrison Van Epps were students, issued a statement expressing their deep sorrow over the loss. “James and Harrison were remarkable young men, and this is a shocking and heartbreaking loss for our community. We invite you to join us in prayer for the Van Epps family,” the statement read.
Heath Honeycutt, the owner of the Ninth Inning Baseball league, also shared his condolences, stating, “Ninth Inning Baseball is devastated and deeply saddened to hear of the recent loss within our baseball family. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Van Epps family and friends on behalf of our entire organization. Help us pray for their family and friends.”
The NTSB will conduct a thorough investigation, which will include examining the aircraft’s maintenance records, the pilot’s background, and any available surveillance footage. A preliminary report with factual information is expected to be available in about 30 days, while a final report, including the probable cause of the crash, may take 12 to 24 months to complete.
Anyone with information or video footage related to the crash is encouraged to contact the NTSB at [email protected].
Source: CNN, ABC News, FOX 5 Atlanta, USA TODAY Network
