Five Dead, Including Two Children, in Upstate New York Plane Crash
Tragedy struck upstate New York this week as a family bound for Atlanta, Georgia lost their lives in a plane crash, including two children aged 12 and 10. The fatal accident occurred Sunday, leaving a community in shock and authorities diligently working to uncover the cause.
Details of the Incident
The victims were aboard a single-engine aircraft known as the Piper Malibu Mirage. The plane, departing from Alfred S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, was destined for Atlanta with a scheduled stop in West Virginia for refuelling.
Authorities were alerted to a potential aircraft accident near Lake Cecil Road in Masonville, New York, around 2 p.m. The crashed Piper Malibu Mirage was located following an extensive search by multiple agencies using drones, ATVs, and helicopters.
The Victims
The victims, a family from Georgia, were identified as Roger Beggs, 76, Laura VanEpps, 43, Ryan VanEpps, 42, James R. VanEpps, 12, and Harrison VanEpps, 10. The family was returning from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York.
Ongoing Investigation
The cause of the crash remains unknown. The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) to investigate the circumstances leading to the crash.
Analysis of the Piper Malibu Mirage
The Piper Malibu Mirage is a popular single-engine aircraft known for its performance and capacity to cover long distances. With room for six people, it’s often a choice for small group travel. Nevertheless, like all aircraft, it is not immune to potential mechanical issues or adverse weather conditions, both factors being part of the ongoing crash investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of the family has left their home community in Georgia, as well as the smaller Masonville community, in mourning. The baseball tournament they attended in Cooperstown often brings together families from across the country, making the accident a nationwide tragedy. As the investigation continues, those who knew the family are left to deal with the sudden and devastating loss.
Conclusion
The crash in upstate New York is a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and extended family of those lost in this tragic event. We hope the ongoing investigation will provide some answers to the haunting questions left in the wake of such a tragedy.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
