By Three members of The Nelons, a Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet, were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming, according to a statement by a group member who was not aboard the aircraft.
The Nelons co-founder, Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, died in the crash on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from daughter Autumn Nelon Streetman.
“Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” Nelon Streetman said. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Also killed in the crash were Nelon Kistler’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie, according to Nelon Streetman.
There were no survivors.
The group was traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, according to a statement from Gaither Music Group, the sponsor of the cruise that features numerous gospel singers and groups.
Gaither Music said Hodges was an assistant for the band. Larry Haynie was the pilot of the aircraft, and Melissa Haynie was his wife. The aircraft was identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.
The tragic accident has deeply affected the gospel music community, with many fans and fellow musicians expressing their condolences and sharing memories of the victims on social media. The Nelons, known for their harmonious gospel music and family-centered performances, had a significant following and were beloved by many.
Kelly Nelon Clark, a prominent figure in gospel music, had been a member of The Nelons since its inception and was widely respected for her vocal talent and dedication to the genre. Jason Clark, her husband, was also deeply involved in the group’s musical direction and production. Their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, followed in her parents’ footsteps, contributing to the family’s musical legacy with her own vocal abilities.
The family had been looking forward to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, a popular event that brings together some of the most renowned gospel artists for a series of performances and fellowship. The loss of such influential figures in the gospel music world has left a profound void, and the upcoming cruise will undoubtedly be marked by a sense of mourning and remembrance.
In the wake of the tragedy, the gospel music community has rallied together, offering support and prayers for the surviving family members and honoring the memories of those lost. The Gaither Music Group has announced plans to dedicate portions of the upcoming cruise to the memory of the Nelons and the others who perished in the crash, celebrating their contributions to gospel music and the lasting impact they made on their fans and fellow artists.
