Members of the Van Epps family were on board a Piper Malibu Mirage aircraft leaving upstate New York when the crash happened.
A family of five who were in upstate New York for a baseball tournament died in a small plane crash on Sunday, June 30. The New York State Police (NYSP) confirmed the tragic event.
In an official release, the NYSP reported that the Piper Malibu Mirage aircraft crashed near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville. The unfortunate victims include Laura Van Epps (reported to be 43, though later clarified as 41), Ryan Van Epps, 42, James R. Van Epps, 12, Harrison Van Epps, 10, and Roger Beggs, 76, who was the pilot. All were family members residing in Georgia.
The family had traveled to Cooperstown for the baseball event. On Sunday, a report of a possible crash was received around 2 p.m., prompting a search involving drones, ATVs, and helicopters. The downed plane and its debris were eventually discovered in the Lake Cecil Road area.
Beggs, who was piloting the aircraft, took off from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta. The flight’s intended route included a stop in West Virginia for refueling before heading to Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta.
Efforts to uncover the cause of the crash are being led by the NYSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp shared his condolences, urging the public to join him in prayer for the affected families. He expressed deep sympathy for the Van Epps and Beggs families, acknowledging the support needed during this difficult period.
Ryan Van Epps’ sister, Ansley Van Epps, also shared her grief through a heartfelt Facebook post. She wrote, “In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy, we mourn the loss of our family. Yesterday, we received the devastating news that Ryan, Laura, James Ryan, Harrison Van Epps, and Laura’s father Roger Beggs were involved in a fatal plane crash. Our hearts are broken.”
Continuing her tribute, she added, “As we grapple with this unimaginable loss, let us come together to remember and celebrate the beautiful lives they lived. Their kindness, laughter, and love will forever be etched in our hearts.”
Ansley concluded with, “Please keep their loved ones and our family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. May we find strength and solace in the memories and the outpouring of love from all who knew them.”
When later contacted, Ansley mentioned that both families are still processing the tragedy while appreciating the overwhelming support. She noted that details about services would be shared once available.
