The tragic news of a plane crash that claimed the lives of an entire family of five has left many reeling with shock and sadness. On June 30, a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage aircraft went down in Masonville, New York, taking the lives of five individuals who had been traveling from upstate New York to their home state of Georgia. The family had reportedly been in Cooperstown, New York, to participate in a youth baseball tournament and enjoy some time in an area well-known for its rich baseball heritage.
Below is a comprehensive look at what happened, the victims involved, the response from local authorities and state officials, and the ongoing investigation into the cause of this heartbreaking accident.
1. Context: A Family’s Baseball Trip Turned Tragic
Cooperstown, New York, is a town beloved by baseball fans. As home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, it attracts visitors year-round—particularly during the summer, when youth baseball tournaments and camps are at their peak. Families come from all over the country to immerse themselves in the spirit of America’s pastime, participating in games, visiting iconic museums, and sharing an unforgettable experience with their children.
For one family, the joys of the baseball season took a devastating turn. On June 30, as they made their journey back home, their aircraft crashed under circumstances that remain under investigation, resulting in a loss that has shaken friends, relatives, and communities both in Georgia and New York.
2. The Aircraft and Departure
According to information released by officials, the family had been traveling in a single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage. This type of aircraft, while suitable for personal or family trips, requires careful piloting and strict adherence to maintenance protocols and safety procedures. It departed from Oneonta Municipal Airport, located in central New York, not far from Cooperstown.
The flight’s intended path took the family toward their home in Georgia. The plan, as outlined by the flight itinerary, included at least one scheduled stop to refuel in West Virginia. Piper Malibu Mirage planes are commonly used by private pilots for cross-country travel and can carry several passengers comfortably, making them popular among families and small groups who prefer to fly privately.
3. Location of the Crash
Tragedy struck in Masonville, New York, a small town situated roughly 90 miles southeast of Syracuse. The crash occurred on a Sunday, prompting immediate alerts to local authorities around 2 p.m. According to law enforcement, a notification about a suspected downed aircraft initiated a swift response.
Members of various agencies, including local law enforcement, state police, and emergency services, mobilized resources and deployed helicopters, drones, and ATVs to conduct a thorough search of the Lake Cecil Road area. This swift multi-agency effort was aimed at locating any wreckage or signs of survivors. Sadly, once the plane was found, it was evident that none of the occupants had survived.
4. The Victims: A Family of Five
Officials identified the five victims as:
- Roger Beggs, 76
- Laura VanEpps, 43
- Ryan VanEpps, 42
- James R. VanEpps, 12
- Harrison VanEpps, 10
Local news outlets indicate that the group had been in Cooperstown for a youth baseball tournament, which is a common summer excursion for families with children involved in baseball. James and Harrison, at ages 12 and 10, were at ideal ages to partake in the tournaments and events that make Cooperstown such a popular destination.
The family had reportedly enjoyed their stay, immersed in the baseball-rich environment. In addition to the tournament itself, visitors often spend time exploring exhibits related to famous players and iconic moments in the sport’s history. For the VanEpps boys, it was presumably an exciting trip, shared with parents and other family members who were equally enthusiastic about the game.
5. Discovery of the Crash Site
Around 2 p.m. on Sunday, authorities received an alert about a potential crash in the vicinity of Lake Cecil Road. Given the hilly and forested terrain, locating a downed aircraft was no simple task, prompting a large-scale search effort. Helicopters scoured the skies, while ground teams utilized ATVs and drones to navigate through challenging areas.
Eventually, the remains of the Piper Malibu Mirage were located. The grim scene confirmed that all five family members on board had perished upon impact. With rescue efforts shifting to recovery and investigation, local agencies began coordinating with federal entities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
6. The Pilot: A Family Member at the Controls
Reports indicate that Mr. Roger Beggs, 76, was the pilot. As is standard procedure in private aviation, the pilot’s responsibilities would include submitting a flight plan, monitoring weather conditions, ensuring the plane was fueled appropriately, and adhering to all FAA regulations.
While details about Mr. Beggs’ piloting experience and certifications have not been fully disclosed, those familiar with private aviation understand the importance of experience in effectively handling a single-engine aircraft. Investigators typically review the pilot’s flight history, training records, and health status, all of which can be pivotal in understanding the circumstances of the accident.
7. Reaction from the Community
News of this tragedy sent shockwaves through both the local New York community and the family’s hometown in Georgia. Accidents involving entire families are especially heart-wrenching, leaving friends, relatives, and neighbors grappling with sudden grief.
7.1. Georgia’s Response
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences publicly, urging the community to keep the Beggs and VanEpps families in their thoughts. In a statement shared on social media, the governor lamented the devastating loss and offered sympathies to all who knew and loved the victims.
Local organizations—ranging from youth sports leagues to community groups—also conveyed their sorrow. Some recalled positive interactions with the VanEpps family, particularly centering on youth sports events and the time spent preparing for trips like this one to Cooperstown.
7.2. Cooperstown’s Mourning
In Cooperstown, where baseball is woven into the town’s cultural fabric, news of the family’s tragic demise hit tournament organizers and other visiting families hard. While the region sees many visitors each summer, the tight-knit baseball community often feels a personal connection to any tragedy that befalls teams or families in town for a tournament.
8. Investigation Underway
An incident of this magnitude automatically triggers a multi-agency investigation. Authorities from the FAA, NTSB, and state police are jointly examining all aspects of the flight, including the plane’s maintenance records, the pilot’s certifications, weather conditions at the time of departure, and any communications with air traffic control.
- FAA’s Role: The Federal Aviation Administration sets regulations for aircraft operation and pilot certification. Its specialists will look at flight logs and may perform analyses on mechanical components.
- NTSB’s Responsibilities: The National Transportation Safety Board is tasked with determining the likely cause of transportation accidents. They often dispatch investigators to the crash site to collect evidence, interview potential witnesses, and reconstruct the plane’s final moments.
- Local and State Police: On the ground, local authorities secure the crash area, interview any potential eyewitnesses, and assist in the collection of evidence. State police coordinate with other agencies to provide support, resources, and communication lines.
The investigative process can be lengthy, especially when there is no immediate clear cause of the accident. It may take months for officials to release a detailed report. In the interim, authorities typically issue preliminary findings, which can include factors like mechanical performance and weather patterns.
9. A Devastating Loss for the Family and Community
Tragedies like this resonate far beyond the immediate household, affecting the extended family, friends, schools, and sports communities. The young boys, James and Harrison, were at the threshold of adolescence, developing passions that included baseball—a pastime they could share with their parents, creating memories that would have lasted a lifetime.
When a catastrophe like this strikes, it often galvanizes the community to come together. In many cases, neighbors set up memorial funds, conduct vigils, or organize charitable events in honor of the victims. This sense of solidarity can help families cope with immeasurable grief, reminding them that they are not alone during such a trying time.
10. Remembering the Family
While the investigation into the crash will continue for some time, friends and loved ones are left reflecting on the legacy of the Beggs and VanEpps family. Those who knew them describe a tight-knit group with a love for adventure, sports, and family bonding. It is a poignant reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly circumstances can change.
The tragedy underscores the risk inherent in aviation and in travel more broadly. Yet it also highlights the unifying power of community support. From heartfelt condolences to moments of shared mourning, the community in Georgia—along with those in New York who crossed paths with the family—is coming together in the wake of this tremendous loss.
In the aftermath of such heartbreaking events, the overarching focus often shifts to comforting those left behind. Friends, neighbors, coaches, teachers, and extended relatives will undoubtedly play a key role in helping the affected circle find a path forward.
The baseball community—one that thrives on camaraderie—will also be there to pay tribute. Whether it’s through dedicating a game in the family’s honor or fundraising to help relatives with unexpected expenses, the sense of collective empathy can at least offer some solace during this grieving process.
All told, the tragic loss of the Beggs and VanEpps family serves as a somber reminder to cherish the time we have with loved ones. As the investigation unfolds, many will keep them in their prayers, holding onto the memory of a family that came together around the love of baseball, only to have their journey cut short under the saddest of circumstances.
