A plane crash on Sunday, June 30, 2024 claimed the lives of an Alpharetta, Georgia family returning home from a youth baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York.
The New York State Police (NYSP) identified the victims as Laura Van Epps, 42, Ryan Van Epps, 42; their sons, James R. Van Epps, 12, and Harrison Van Epps, 10; and Laura’s father, Roger Beggs, 76. The crash occurred near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, about 90 miles southeast of Syracuse. They were aboard a Piper PA-46 Malibu Mirage, piloted by Beggs.
The family was on their way back home after watching 12-year-old James’ baseball team compete in a tournament held in Cooperstown, where the Baseball Hall of Fame is located.
The plane took off from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta. It was en route to West Virginia for a refueling stop before its final destination at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta.
According to the NYSP, the crash site was discovered after an extensive search utilizing drones, ATVs, and helicopters. The distress call about a possible crash occurred around 2 p.m. on Sunday, prompting a multi-agency search effort.
Authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. The NYSP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are collaborating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the investigation. An NTSB investigator arrived at the crash site on Monday to document the scene and examine the wreckage, which will be moved to a secure facility for further evaluation. A preliminary report is expected within the month, but a final report, including the probable cause, could take up to two years.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp stated on X that he and his family were keeping the victims’ families in their prayers and expressed “our heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved them.”
Ansley Van Epps, a family member of the victims, also expressed her sorrow 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.”
Ryan’s father, Jim Van Epps, shared his grief with the Associated Press: “It’s just a massive tragedy for our family and the end of five great lives, especially young lives.” He noted that his grandsons were exceptional in school and sports, with 10-year-old Harrison being an up-and-coming lacrosse player.
