By Trend News Line 2024-07-02 06:16:19.
**Family Tragedy Strikes in Upstate New York**
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a family from Georgia met a tragic end while visiting Cooperstown, New York. The family, consisting of five members, had traveled to the area for a baseball tournament, but their trip took a devastating turn when their small plane crashed in a rural, wooded area.
**The Victims**
The victims of the crash were identified as Roger Beggs, aged 76, Laura Van Epps, aged 42, Ryan Van Epps, also aged 42, James Van Epps, aged 12, and Harrison Van Epps, aged 10. The family was on their way back to Georgia after watching James play in a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, known for being the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame.
**The Tragic Incident**
The single-engine Piper PA-46 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from a regional airport in Oneonta, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The wreckage of the plane and the remains of the family members were discovered in the town of Masonville after an extensive search effort involving drones, all-terrain vehicles, and helicopters.
**Remembering the Victims**
Roger Beggs, a 76-year-old patriarch, was described as a loving grandfather and a devoted family man. Laura Van Epps, aged 42, was a dedicated mother who always put her children first. Ryan Van Epps, also 42, was a loving husband and father who enjoyed coaching his son’s baseball team. James Van Epps, aged 12, was a talented young baseball player with a bright future ahead of him. Harrison Van Epps, aged 10, was a vibrant and energetic child who brought joy to everyone around him.
**Community Support**
The news of the tragic incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the wider baseball community. Friends and neighbors have come together to offer support and condolences to the family’s loved ones. A memorial service is being planned to honor the lives of the victims and to celebrate the memories they leave behind.
**Investigation Ongoing**
As authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, the community is left grappling with the loss of five beloved individuals. The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation to determine what led to the tragic accident and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
**A Community in Mourning**
The small town of Cooperstown, known for its baseball legacy, is now united in grief as it mourns the loss of the Beggs and Van Epps family members. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
**Moving Forward**
As the investigation into the crash continues, the community will come together to support one another and to remember the lives of those lost in this tragic event. The memories of Roger Beggs, Laura Van Epps, Ryan Van Epps, James Van Epps, and Harrison Van Epps will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved them..
– Family members killed in New York plane crash
– Five family members killed in New York plane crash.