According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash happened near Recluse, Wyoming, a northeastern community in the state.
Three members of the renowned family gospel group, The Nelons, tragically died in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday afternoon. The accident also took the lives of four other individuals, including the pilot.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the crash occurred, as confirmed by the Gaither Management Group in a statement released on Saturday.
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According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the crash happened near Recluse, Wyoming, a northeastern community in the state.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, another member of the group and daughter of Kelly and Jason, was not on the plane. She expressed gratitude for the prayers and support extended to her, her husband Jamie, and their soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as to Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.
“We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days,” she said.
The group’s final Instagram post was on Friday, showcasing a pit stop in Nebraska. “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way,” Jason Clark announced, sharing a video of the group.
Also perishing in the crash were Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, an assistant, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.
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The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the NTSB. Preliminary information suggests that the Pilatus PC-12/47E, a single-engine turboprop, “impacted terrain following a reported autopilot issue during flight.”
A spokesperson for the NTSB noted that the investigation is in its early stages, with limited information available. A team is being dispatched to the remote crash site to examine the aircraft.
Larry Haynie, a chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board, and his wife were remembered for their devotion to each other, their family, and their support for the GDC community. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow over their deaths.
“As chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and through a career of valued service in public safety, Larry’s impact on our state will not be forgotten,” Kemp stated on X. He urged everyone to join in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the gospel music community.
The Nelons, who have recorded over 35 albums and achieved more than 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Their notable songs include “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O for a Thousand Tongues.”
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Their career accolades include a Grammy nomination for best Southern gospel album in 1991 and 35 GMA Dove Award nominations. They won a Dove Award in 2021 for country/bluegrass/roots recorded song of the year for “If God Pulled Back the Curtain.”
Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), expressed deep condolences, stating, “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. Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Autumn and the rest of the Nelon family. They will be forever cherished and remembered in the GMA Hall of Fame.”