A tragic incident occurred in upstate New York as a family of five from Georgia lost their lives in a small plane crash following a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, according to authorities. The victims, identified as Harrison VanEpps, 10, James VanEpps, 12, Ryan VanEpps, 42, Laura VanEpps, 43, and Roger Beggs, 76, were all family members who had traveled to Cooperstown for the tournament.
The plane, a single-engine Piper PA-46, departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, NY, with its final destination planned to be Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, with a stop in West Virginia for refueling. Unfortunately, the tragic crash occurred near Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville, claiming the lives of all passengers on board.
Cooperstown, known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, was the backdrop for this heartbreaking event. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, calling the incident “tragic” and asking the public to keep the Beggs and VanEpps families in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the crash, with the NTSB seeking witness reports to aid in the investigation process. A thorough search of the crash site was conducted by various agencies using drones, ATV’s, and helicopters, leading to the discovery of debris and the downed aircraft.
The New York State Police, in collaboration with the FAA and NTSB, are working diligently to determine the cause of the crash. The Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are all involved in the investigation to provide answers and closure to the families of the victims.
As we mourn the loss of the Beggs and VanEpps families, it serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing each moment with our loved ones. Let us keep them in our thoughts and prayers as we await further details on the investigation into this tragic plane crash.