On Sunday, June 30, 2024, a tragic plane crash took the lives of a family from Alpharetta, Georgia who were returning from a youth baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York.
New York State Police (NYSP) revealed the casualties to be Laura Van Epps, 42, Ryan Van Epps, 42; their children, James R. Van Epps, 12, and Harrison Van Epps, 10; and Laura’s father, Roger Beggs, 76. The crash happened near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, approximately 90 miles southeast of Syracuse, New York. The aircraft was a Piper PA-46 Malibu Mirage, piloted by Beggs.
The family had attended a tournament in Cooperstown, the location of the Baseball Hall of Fame, where James, 12, was participating.
The aircraft had departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, and was scheduled to stop in West Virginia for refueling before heading to its final destination at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia.
After a distress call was received around 2 p.m. on Sunday, the crash site was located following a comprehensive search involving drones, ATVs, and helicopters, according to the NYSP.
The cause of the crash is currently being investigated by several agencies, including the NYSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit, in cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). An NTSB investigator arrived at the crash site on Monday to document the scene and inspect the wreckage, which will be transferred to a secure facility for further examination. A preliminary report is anticipated within the month, but a full report, including the probable cause of the crash, may take up to two years to be released.
Georgia’s Governor, Brian Kemp, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families, stating that he and his family were keeping them in their prayers.
Ansley Van Epps, a relative of the victims, shared her grief on Facebook. She wrote, “In light of this heartbreaking tragedy, we mourn the loss of our family. Yesterday, we got the devastating news that Ryan, Laura, James Ryan, Harrison Van Epps, and Laura’s father, Roger Beggs, were in a fatal plane crash, and our hearts are shattered.” She added, “As we deal with this unimaginable loss, let’s come together to remember and honor the beautiful lives they lived. Their kindness, laughter, and love will be forever etched in our hearts.”
Jim Van Epps, Ryan’s father, also expressed his sorrow to the Associated Press, stating: “It’s just a massive tragedy for our family and the end of five great lives, especially young lives.” He emphasized that his grandsons were exceptional in both academics and sports, with 10-year-old Harrison excelling in lacrosse.
