Five Georgia family members on their way home from a baseball tournament were killed when their private plane crashed in downstate New York.
Investigators identified the victims in the Sunday afternoon crash as Roger Beggs, 76; Laura Van Epps, 43; Ryan Van Epps, 42; James R. Van Epps, 12; and Harrison Van Epps, 10; of Atlanta, Georgia.
Loved ones confirmed the "heartbreaking tragedy" in a Facebook post Monday.
"As we grapple with this unimaginable loss, let us come together to remember and celebrate the beautiful lives they lived," Ansley Van Epps wrote. "Their kindness, laughter, and love will forever be etched in our hearts."
"Please keep their loved ones and our family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. May we find strength and solace in the memories and the outpouring of love from all who knew them."
Beggs was piloting the plane that departed from Albert S. Nader Regional Airport in Oneonta, New York, for Charleston, West Virginia, for refueling. Their final destination was Cobb County International Airport in Atlanta, according to authorities.
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Collision Reconstruction Unit, and Forensic Identification Unit are working with the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Board to determine the cause of the crash.
