A family of five from Georgia was killed in a small plane crash in New York state while on their way home from a baseball tournament in Cooperstown. The family was traveling to West Virginia with a pit stop in Charleston before a final destination of Atlanta when their single-engine Piper Malibu Mirage crashed in Masonville, N.Y. The victims were identified as Roger Beggs, Laura VanEpps, Ryan VanEpps, James R. VanEpps, and Harrison VanEpps. Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp extended his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.
A federal investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the crash, with a NTSB investigator expected to arrive at the scene. The investigation will focus on the pilot, the aircraft, and the operating environment, including weather conditions. Material from the wreckage will be examined, and a preliminary report is expected in about 30 days, while a final report with the probable cause may take 12 to 24 months. Witnesses or anyone with information about the incident can contact the National Transportation Safety Board.
The community and officials are saddened by the tragic event, and support is being offered to the families of the victims. The details surrounding the crash remain unknown, and the investigation will shed light on the circumstances that led to the devastating loss of life.
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