By Trend News Line 2024-07-01 19:13:33.
Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Georgia Family in New York
A devastating tragedy struck a family from Georgia who were visiting Cooperstown, New York, for a baseball tournament. The family of five, consisting of Roger Beggs, 76; Laura Van Epps, 42; Ryan Van Epps, 42; James Van Epps, 12; and Harrison Van Epps, 10, lost their lives in a small plane crash in a rural, wooded area in Masonville, New York.
Details of the Crash
The single-engine Piper PA-46 crashed around 2 p.m. on a Sunday after taking off from a regional airport in Oneonta. The wreckage of the plane and the remains of the victims were discovered in the town of Masonville. Search efforts were conducted using drones, all-terrain vehicles, and helicopters to locate the remote crash site, approximately 125 miles northwest of New York City.
A Family Tragedy
The Van Epps family was returning to Georgia after watching 12-year-old James play in a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Jim Van Epps, the grandfather of James and Harrison, described the loss as a massive tragedy for their family, mourning the end of five great lives, especially the young lives of his grandsons.
A Life Cut Short
James and Harrison Van Epps, who lived in the Atlanta suburb of Milton, were excelling in school and sports. Ten-year-old Harrison was an up-and-coming lacrosse player, while his brother James showed great promise in baseball. Their parents, Ryan and Laura, were supportive and encouraging, always standing by their boys in whatever they chose to pursue.
Investigation and Condolences
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences on social media, offering prayers for the victims’ families and extending deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved them.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with our loved ones. The loss of the Van Epps family has left a void in the hearts of many, but their memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew them.
May they rest in peace.
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Upstate NY plane crash aftermath baseball tournament tragedy.