Five individuals, including children and family members, have tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in upstate New York, leaving a community in mourning.
A small plane carrying five people, including a family of four and a close family friend, crashed in upstate New York on Sunday, June 30, resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of all on board. The victims, hailing from Georgia, were identified as Harrison VanEpps, 10; James VanEpps, 12; Ryan VanEpps, 42; Laura VanEpps, 43; and Roger Beggs, 76.
The single-engine Piper PA-46 crashed near Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville, according to New York State Police. The plane had departed from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, with an intended destination of Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. The refueling stop in West Virginia was planned prior to the tragic incident.
Tragedy Strikes: Georgia Family Perishes in Upstate New York Plane Crash
"All of the passengers are family members from the state of Georgia and were in Cooperstown, NY for a baseball tournament," police said, referring to the victims as the Beggs and VanEpps families.
The news sent shockwaves throughout the community and the state of Georgia, where the victims resided. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, calling the incident "tragic" and asking the public to join his family "in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families."
Tragedy Strikes: Georgia Family Perishes in Upstate New York Plane Crash
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is investigating the crash. According to the FAA, the plane involved was a single-engine Piper PA-46. An NTSB spokesperson emphasized the importance of witness reports in aiding the investigation.
"A multi-agency effort search of the area, with the utilization of drones, ATV’s and helicopters led to the discovery of debris and ultimately to the downed aircraft," New York State Police stated. They further noted that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are collaborating with the FAA and NTSB to determine the cause of the crash.
Tragedy Strikes: Georgia Family Perishes in Upstate New York Plane Crash
The crash site is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact that sudden tragedy can have on families and communities. As investigations continue, the search for answers and the healing process for those affected will undoubtedly be of paramount importance.
