Van Epps Family From Georgia Killed In Delaware County, New York Plane Crash: What We Know

A plane crash in Delaware County, New York, claimed the lives of five members of a family from Georgia on Sunday. The victims, identified 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, were returning from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, New York. Their single-engine Piper PA-46 Mirage plane departed from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta and was en route to Charleston, West Virginia, for refueling. The plane crashed on Lake Cecil Road in Masonville around 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“On June 30, 2024, at approximately 2:00 p.m., New York State Police were dispatched to a report of a possible plane crash in the area of Lake Cecil Road in the town of Masonville. 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 said in a press release.

The family resided in Alpharetta, Georgia. Federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are investigating the cause of the crash.

“The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal of Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Board (NTSB) to determine the cause of the crash,” police said.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed condolences to the families, posting on X, “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 Van Epps, who is reportedly a relative of the victims, confirmed their death in a Facebook post.

“In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy, we mourn the loss of our family. Yesterday, we received the devastating news that Ryan, Laura, James Ryan, Harrison Van Epps and Laura’s father Roger Beggs were involved in a fatal plane crash, and our hearts broken. As we grapple with this unimaginable loss 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,” she wrote.