Three Members of The Nelons Killed in Tragic Plane Crash

The Nelons Plane Crash Accident

Three members of the family gospel group The Nelons died in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday afternoon, along with four others, including the pilot.

Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Clark, and the couple’s daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were on their way to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the disaster happened, according to a statement released Saturday.

The National Transportation Safety Board reported that the Nelons plane crash happened near Recluse, Wyoming, a hamlet in the state’s northeast.

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The Victims and Survivors

Autumn Nelon Streetman, Kelly and Jason’s second daughter and member of the group did not board the plane. She issued a brief press release thanking everyone for the “prayers that have already been expressed to me, my husband, Jamie, who was and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.”

“We thank you for your continued prayer, love, and support as we manage the coming days,” according to her.

The group’s last Instagram post came on Friday when they wrote about a pit stop in Nebraska.

“Gaither Homecoming Alaskan Cruise. We’re on our way,” Jason Clark commented, as he panned the camera to show the rest of the group.

The Nelons plane crash also killed Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, an assistant, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.

It was not immediately obvious what caused the collision. According to Gaither Management Group, the National Transportation Safety Board is examining the event.

Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the Pilatus PC-12/47E single-engine turboprop aircraft involved in the crash experienced autopilot difficulties. The aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.

According to the spokesman, the inquiry is still in its early stages, and there isn’t much information available yet. The agency was deploying a team to the plane crash scene.

The representative stated that once the crew had access to the jet, which is in a remote area, they would begin analyzing it.

Haynie served as the head of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. According to the prisons department, Haynie and his wife were “devoted to each other, their grandchildren, and family” and “were also committed and staunch supporters of the GDC family.”

Gov. Brian Kemp was “truly saddened” at the killings.

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Tributes Pour In for Victims of Fatal Crash

“As chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board along with a career of respected service in public safety, Larry’s effects on our state will not be forgotten,” he stated in an email regarding X. “We intend to hold the memory of him and that lasting dedication to his fellow Georgians in our hearts and memories.”

Kemp went further: “Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for the people who have been lost, for those they love and communities. We also ask for prayers for those across the gospel music community who have lost beloved companions in this heartbreaking accident.”

According to their website, the Nelons have released over 35 albums and have had over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio hits, including “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O for a Thousand Tongues.”

In 2016, they were nominated into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout their tenure, the four-person group got a Grammy nomination in 1991 for best Southern gospel album, as well as 35 GMA Dove Award nominations. They just received a Dove Award for country/bluegrass/roots produced song of the year in 2021 for “If God Pulled Back the Curtain.”

“The GMA and our entire music community are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber.” We are also deeply affected by the loss of the others involved in the plane crash,” President Jackie Patillo said in a statement.

“Our heartfelt sympathies and prayers are with Autumn and every member of the Nelon family. They will be long treasured and recognized in the GMA Hall of Fame.”