According to the police, a small aircraft disaster that occurred on June 30 resulted in the loss of a family of five who were staying in upstate New York for a baseball tournament.
New York State Police (NYSP) issued a press statement announcing that a Piper Malibu Mirage aircraft had crashed in the vicinity of Lake Cecil Road in Masonville. The incident was said to have happened in the region.
The New York State Police identified the five victims who were on board the aircraft as follows: Laura Van Epps, 43 years old (a family member subsequently said that her age was 41); Ryan Van Epps, 42 years old; James R. Van Epps, 12 years old; Harrison Van Epps, 10 years old; and Roger Beggs, 76 years old. According to the New York State Police, all of them were members of the same family.
It was reported by the New York State Police that the family, who resided in Georgia, was in Cooperstown for the athletic event prior to the occurrence of the incident.
The police also said that they got a report of a suspected collision at about two o’clock on Sunday afternoon. The region around Lake Cecil Road was searched with the assistance of helicopters, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and drones, which ultimately led to the finding of the crashed aircraft and wreckage.
WNBC, an affiliate of the National Broadcasting Company, reports that Beggs was the pilot of the Piper Malibu Mirage when it crashed.
A further statement made by the authorities said that the aircraft had taken off from the Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta and was its route to West Virginia. There, the plane was going to refuel before continuing on to Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, which is located in the state of Georgia.
According to the New York State Police, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and the Forensic Identification Unit are “working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash.”
In a tweet that was sent via X on Monday, July 1, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp conveyed his sympathies to the families of those who had lost their own lives. In light of the awful news that we have received, I would ask that you join Marty, the girls, and myself in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. He expressed his sincere sympathies to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving them.
On the same day, Ansley Van Epps, who was Ryan Van Epps’ sister who was also on the aircraft, published a post on Facebook. “In the aftermath of a tragic event that has left us in utter disbelief, we grieve the loss of our family. The news that Ryan, Laura, James Ryan, Harrison Van Epps, and Laura’s father Roger Beggs were all involved in a terrible aircraft accident was delivered to us yesterday, and it devastated our hearts. Our hearts are broken,” she added.
“As we struggle to come to terms with this incomprehensible loss,” she went on to say, “let us come together to remember and celebrate the wonderful lives that they led.” Kindness, laughter, and love are qualities that will remain indelibly imprinted in our hearts forever.
The conclusion that Van Epps reached was as follows: “During this extremely trying time, please remember to keep their loved ones and our family in your thoughts and prayers.” It is my hope that the memories and the outpouring of affection from everyone who knew them will provide us with the strength and serenity we need.
Ansley Van Epps said that both the Beggs and Van Epps families are still processing the tragedy, but that they are grateful for the outpouring of love that has been given to them. This information was provided to PEOPLE after it had been contacted. As soon as they get further information, she noted, a statement would be issued about the services.
