Family Perishes in Tragic Crash While Returning from Baseball Tournament

 Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Family Returning from Youth Baseball Tournament

On June 30, a devastating plane crash took the lives of five family members who had traveled to upstate New York for a youth baseball tournament.

The family was aboard a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage plane that departed from Oneonta Municipal Airport in central New York. The aircraft tragically crashed in Masonville, New York, about 90 miles southeast of Syracuse, as reported by CNN.

The victims, identified as Roger Beggs (76), Laura VanEpps (43), Ryan VanEpps (42), James R. VanEpps (12), and Harrison VanEpps (10), were returning to Georgia after participating in events in Cooperstown, New York, renowned for its baseball tournaments and the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Credit: Facebook / Milton Eagles Football.

Local authorities received reports of a suspected crash around 2 p.m. on Sunday and launched an extensive search effort in the Lake Cecil Road area, utilizing helicopters, drones, and ATVs. The crash site and the downed plane were located during the search.

Roger Beggs, the pilot, had planned a refueling stop in West Virginia before continuing the journey to Atlanta, according to People magazine.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences on social media on Monday, July 1, urging prayers for the Beggs and VanEpps families: "As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and VanEpps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them."

Ansley, sister of Ryan VanEpps, also shared her profound sorrow over the loss of her family members.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and state police are conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash.

Our hearts go out to the VanEpps family and their friends during this incredibly difficult time.