A Georgia family of five recently died in a small plane crash in upstate New York when they were leaving a baseball tournament held in Cooperstown. According to reports from the New York State Police, the deceased victims have been identified as Harrison VanEpps, 10, James VanEpps, 12, Ryan VanEpps, 42, Laura VanEpps, 43 and Roger Beggs, 76.
According to the State Police, the crash occurred near Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville. “All of the passengers are family members from the state of Georgia and were in Cooperstown, NY for a baseball tournament,” authorities said. Reportedly, the plane was en route to West Virginia to refuel before reaching its final destination in Georgia. “The plane departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, NY and was traveling to West Virginia to refuel with its ultimate destination as Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia,” the police said.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp posted a message on X, indicating that he and his family were offering their prayers and condolences to those impacted by the death of the family. Kemp urged his followers to join him in offering support in the aftermath of the tragic accident. “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.
The New York State Police published a press release explaining the details behind the crash that occurred on Sunday afternoon. The authorities discussed efforts following the crash, employing multiple agencies and equipment, including drones and other vehicles. “On June 30, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., New York State Police were dispatched to a report of a possible plane crash in the area of Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville. A multi-agency effort search of the area, with the utilization of drones, ATV’s and helicopters led to the discovery of debris and ultimately to the downed aircraft,” the statement said.
The State Police further noted they would be collaborating with several other agencies to investigate the crash and determine its cause. “The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal of Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash,” the statement added.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided additional details about the plane crash. “A single-engine Piper PA-46 crashed near Sidney, New York, around 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, June 30. The plane departed from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, with five people on board. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide further updates,” the agency said in its statement.
According to NBC New York, the Van Epps family was traveling to Cooperstown for the baseball tournament that 12-year-old James was playing in. The family’s grandfather, Roger Beggs, a certified pilot, was flying the plane before it crashed. Reportedly, it took authorities roughly two hours to locate the site of the crash, deep in a rural area. See news coverage of the accident below: