MASONVILLE, N.Y. — Five members from the same metro Atlanta family died in a plane crash on their way home from a baseball tournament in New York.
On Sunday afternoon, New York State Police responded to a plane crash in Masonville, New York, about an hour south of Cooperstown where the tournament happened.
Search teams found the bodies of five passengers in the wreckage.
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They identified the victims as 76-year-old Roger Beggs, 43-year-old Laura Van Epps, 42-year-old Ryan Van Epps, 12-year-old James R. Van Epps and 10-year-old Harrison Van Epps. Beggs was Laura Van Epps’ father.
According to New York State Police, the Piper Malibu Mirage took off from Oneonta, New York, on Sunday, headed for Cobb County, but crashed shortly after takeoff. The remains of the aircraft were discovered around 2 p.m. in a wooded area on Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, New York.
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On Monday, Channel 2′s Audrey Washington was on Richmond Glen Circle, where the family was supposed to return home but never made it.
“It’s an entire family. I mean it’s a part of our neighborhood,” neighbor Paul Cruz said. , becoming emotional. “It’s not something you want to hear.”
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp offered his condolences in a statement:
“As we learn of this tragic news, please join Marty, the girls, and me in praying for the loved ones of the Beggs and Van Epps families. We offer our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved them.”
Washington also spoke to a local baseball coach by phone about the tragedy. He said the boys were popular with other kids and that the baseball community is sharing condolences on a private community board.
The FAA is currently investigating the cause of the crash.
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