Three Nelons family gospel members were killed in a plane tragedy.
Kelly Nelon Clark was traveling to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise with her husband Jason Clark and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. There were four more fatalities.
In addition to the pilot, four other people, including three members of the family gospel group The Nelons, perished in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday afternoon.
Nelons plane crash
The Gaither Management Group announced in a statement on Saturday that Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were on their way.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the collision happened close to the northeastern town of Recluse, Wyoming.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, another member of the group and Kelly and Jason’s second daughter, was not on the plane.
“As we navigate the upcoming days, we appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support,” she stated.
Following a visit in Nebraska, the group posted their final Instagram picture on Friday.
“Homecoming Alaskan cruise with Gaither. Jason Clark replied, “We’re on our way,” as the camera panned to see the other members of the group.
Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, pilot Nathan Kistler, Amber’s husband, and an assistant were also killed in the incident.
It wasn’t immediately evident what caused the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board is looking into the event, according to Gaither Management Group.
An NTSB spokeswoman stated that early data suggests that a Pilatus PC-12/47E, a turboprop aircraft with a single engine, “impacted terrain following a reported autopilot issue during flight.”
The representative stated that not much information is currently available and that the inquiry is still in its early stages. A team from the agency was headed to the crash scene. The representative stated that the crew will start inspecting the aircraft as soon as they have access to the plane, which is located in a remote area.
Haynie and his spouse, according to the prisons department, “were also devoted to — and staunch supporters of — the GDC family” in addition to being “devoted to one another, to their grandchildren and family.”
The deaths have “truly saddened” Gov. Brian Kemp.
“Everyone please join us in praying for the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, as well as for the gospel music community.
According to their website, The Nelons have released over 35 albums and over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, including songs like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,”
They received their induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
The quartet was nominated for 35 GMA Dove Awards during their career, and in 1991 they were nominated for a Grammy for best Southern gospel album. For their song “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” which was released in 2021, they most recently earned a Dove Award for country/bluegrass/roots recorded song of the year.
President Jackie Patillo released a statement saying, “The GMA and our entire music community is grieving over the tragic loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber as well as the others involved in the tragic plane crash.” We extend our sincere sympathies and offer our prayers to Autumn and the entire Nelon family. The GMA Hall of Fame will always honor and remember them.
Leslie Perkins, a spokesman for Campbell County, Wyoming, said in a statement that the crash happened at approximately 1 p.m. in the county, north of Gillette and roughly 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne.
In a statement released on Saturday, Jeff Bender of the Campbell County Fire Department stated that the crash-related fire had been restricted to less than one square mile and that crews would be there all day.
The aircraft is in a remote area, so when they are able to get access, they will start taking pictures and inspecting the aircraft, according to Holloway. After that, the aircraft will be retrieved and brought to a secure location for additional assessment.
A full report outlining the crash’s likely cause could take up to two years to complete, according to Holloway. A preliminary report on the incident is anticipated in around thirty days.
The Nelons won ten GMA Dove Awards, including numerous song and album of the year honors.
