The crash site was discovered on Sunday at 9:31 p.m., following an extensive search operation involving drones, ATVs, and helicopters. The wreckage contained all five people who were on board the aircraft. New York State Police have identified the victims as 76-year-old pilot Roger Beggs, 43-year-old Laura VanEpps, 42-year-old Ryan VanEpps, 12-year-old James R. VanEpps, and 10-year-old Harrison VanEpps. The victims were residents of Roswell, Georgia, and were returning home from the Cooperstown baseball tournament.
According to the police, the travelers had been in the area for the baseball tournament and were en route to West Virginia for a refueling stop, with their final destination being Cobb County International Airport near Atlanta, Georgia. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash, but a potential cause has not yet been determined.
The incident has left the close-knit communities of Roswell, Georgia, and the baseball world in shock and mourning. The VanEpps family, known for their active involvement in local sports, especially baseball, had been on an exciting trip to Cooperstown, a pilgrimage for many young baseball enthusiasts and their families.
The pilot, Roger Beggs, was an experienced aviator with a long history of flying. Friends and colleagues remember him as a meticulous and careful pilot who had a deep passion for aviation. His presence was a fixture at the local airport, and he was known for his willingness to mentor young pilots and share his love of flying.
Laura VanEpps, remembered as a loving mother and dedicated community member, was a pillar of support for her family and friends. Her husband, Ryan VanEpps, was equally cherished, known for his commitment to his family and his involvement in the local community. Their two sons, James and Harrison, were vibrant young boys who loved sports, particularly baseball, and had bright futures ahead of them.
The VanEpps family’s journey to Cooperstown was meant to be a memorable experience, a time for the family to bond over their shared love of baseball and to create lasting memories. Instead, it has ended in unspeakable tragedy, leaving their community to grapple with an immense sense of loss.
As investigators work to piece together the events that led to the crash, the community has rallied around the surviving family members and friends of the victims. Vigils and memorials are being planned to honor the lives of those lost, and local churches and community centers have opened their doors to provide support and counseling for those affected by this heartbreaking event.
The FAA and NTSB’s investigation will look into various factors, including weather conditions, mechanical issues, and pilot error, to determine what caused the plane to go down. The Piper PA-46, a well-regarded aircraft known for its reliability and performance, will be scrutinized for any signs of malfunction or failure. The goal is to uncover any information that could prevent such tragedies in the future.
Masonville, the location of the crash, is a small town situated roughly 25 miles outside of Oneonta and 80 miles southeast of Syracuse, nestled in the Southern Tier’s western Catskills mountain region. The area, known for its scenic beauty and rural charm, is now marked by the sorrow of this devastating event. Initial reports had suggested the crash might have occurred in the nearby villages of Sidney or the Hamlet of Trout Creek, but it was later confirmed to be near Masonville.
The impact of this tragedy extends beyond the immediate families and friends of the victims. The broader community, including fellow participants of the Cooperstown baseball tournament and residents of both New York and Georgia, are sharing in the grief. Messages of condolences and support have flooded social media, with many expressing their heartbreak and offering prayers for the families involved.
In the days following the crash, there has been an outpouring of support from various community organizations. Fundraisers and donation drives have been organized to assist the surviving family members with expenses and to help them cope with their loss. The resilience and solidarity of the community have been a beacon of hope amid the darkness of this tragedy.
Local officials have also emphasized the importance of supporting one another during this difficult time. Counselors and grief support groups have been made available to help individuals process their emotions and begin the healing process. The collective mourning has brought people closer together, reinforcing the strength of community bonds.
As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on honoring the memory of Roger Beggs, Laura VanEpps, Ryan VanEpps, James R. VanEpps, and Harrison VanEpps. Their lives, though tragically cut short, have left an indelible mark on those who knew them. Their legacy will continue to be remembered through the stories shared by friends and loved ones and through the lasting impact they had on their community.
In conclusion, the plane crash in rural Upstate New York that claimed the lives of five individuals, including the VanEpps family and pilot Roger Beggs, has left a deep scar on the community. The ongoing investigation by the FAA and NTSB aims to uncover the cause of the crash and prevent future tragedies. As the community grieves, they are united in their support for one another, drawing strength from their shared sorrow and the enduring memories of those lost. The legacy of the victims will live on in the hearts of those who loved them, a poignant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of community in times of tragedy.
