FAMILY OF FIVE KILLED IN SMALL NEW YORK PLANE CRASH AFTER TRIP FOR BASEBALL TOURNAMENT
Five members of a Georgia family have been killed in a small plane crash in New York, authorities say.
The family was returning from a visit to Cooperstown, New York, for a baseball competition, they were returning to Atlanta, according to the police. The victims were Laura VanEpps, 43; Ryan VanEpps, 42; James R. VanEpps, 12; and Harrison VanEpps, 10.
State police reported that authorities were called to a potential plane crash at Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, New York, on Sunday at around 2:00 p.m. Authorities reported that a multi-agency search of the region utilizing drones, ATVs, and helicopters led to the discovery of the wrecked plane, a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage.
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According to investigators, the aircraft took off from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, first heading to West Virginia for refueling before ending up at Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta. The reason behind the collision is still unknown.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) are collaborating with the Bureau of Criminal inquiry of the New York State Police, the Collision Reconstruction Unit, and the Forensic Identification Unit on the inquiry.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp extended his condolences to the victims' families in a post shared on X. "As we learn of this awful news, please join Marty, the daughters, and me in prayer for the Beggs and VanEpps families. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone who knew and loved them," he stated.
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Ansley Van Epps, Ryan Van Epps' sister who was on the flight, posted on Facebook the same day. "Following a sad tragedy, we grieve the loss of our family. We received sad news yesterday that Ryan, Laura, James Ryan, Harrison Van Epps, and Laura's father, Roger Beggs, were killed in a plane crash, and our hearts were devastated," she added.
"As we grapple with this unimaginable loss," she continued, "let us come together to remember and celebrate the beautiful lives they lived. Their kindness, laughter, and love will forever be etched in our hearts."
"Please keep their loved ones and our family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," Van Epps concluded. "May we find strength and solace in the memories and the outpouring of love from all who knew them."
Ansley Van Epps stated that although the Beggs and Van Epps families are still grieving, they are grateful for the outpouring of affection, in a later conversation with PEOPLE. When they find out, she said, a statement regarding services will be issued.
2024-07-02T03:44:01Z dg43tfdfdgfd