Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Five Georgia Family Members in New York

In a heartbreaking incident, five individuals from Georgia lost their lives in a plane crash while returning from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York. The crash occurred at approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, shortly after the single-engine Piper PA-46 took off from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The victims, identified as Roger Beggs, 76; Laura VanEpps, 43; Ryan VanEpps, 42; James VanEpps, 12; and Harrison VanEpps, 10, were all members of the same family. They had traveled to Cooperstown to participate in the renowned baseball tournament and were on their way back to Georgia when the tragic accident occurred.

The wreckage of the aircraft and the bodies of the five passengers were discovered on Sunday evening in a rural area of Masonville, New York. The search operation, which involved multiple agencies using drones, helicopters, and all-terrain vehicles, was coordinated by the New York State Police.

The flight was bound for Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, with a planned refueling stop in West Virginia. However, the plane went down shortly after departure, leading to a tragic end for the family. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

This tragic event has deeply affected the community in Georgia, where the family was well-known and loved. Friends, neighbors, and local organizations have expressed their condolences and are offering support to the grieving relatives and friends of the victims. The incident has also cast a pall over the baseball tournament community, which gathers in Cooperstown, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, for the annual event.

As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, the focus remains on providing answers to the family and community affected by this loss. The collaborative efforts of the search teams were crucial in locating the wreckage and ensuring that the victims were found promptly.

In conclusion, the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of five family members from Georgia has left a significant impact on both their local community and those who knew them through the Cooperstown baseball tournament. The ongoing investigation by the FAA and NTSB aims to uncover the factors that led to this devastating incident, providing closure and understanding to those affected by the tragedy. The memory of Roger Beggs, Laura VanEpps, Ryan VanEpps, James VanEpps, and Harrison VanEpps will be cherished by all who knew them.