Family of Five Tragically Killed in Plane Crash Returning from Youth Baseball Tournament
On June 30, a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of a family of five returning from a youth baseball tournament in upstate New York.
The family, aboard a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage, had taken off from Oneonta Municipal Airport in central New York. The aircraft tragically crashed in Masonville, approximately 90 miles southeast of Syracuse, according to CNN.
The victims of this heart-wrenching incident have been identified as Roger Beggs, 76; Laura VanEpps, 43; Ryan VanEpps, 42; James R. VanEpps, 12; and Harrison VanEpps, 10.
They were on their way back to Georgia after spending time in Cooperstown, New York, a town famous for hosting baseball tournaments and being home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Local authorities received reports of a suspected crash around 2 p.m. on Sunday. An extensive search operation was launched in the Lake Cecil Road area, utilizing helicopters, drones, and ATVs. The wreckage and the downed plane were located after this intensive effort.
Roger Beggs, the pilot, was flying the plane. According to reports from People, the flight plan included a stop for refueling in West Virginia before heading to Atlanta.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, July 1. “As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them,” he wrote.
Additionally, Ryan VanEpps’ sister, Ansley, expressed her profound grief over the loss of her family members.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and state police are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the VanEpps’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
