Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of Gospel Music Family

On Friday afternoon, a heartbreaking plane crash in Wyoming took the lives of three beloved members of the gospel music group, The Nelons, along with four others, including the pilot.

The victims included Kelly Nelon Clark, co-founder of The Nelons, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. They were traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the tragedy struck.

The crash happened near Recluse, Wyoming, and was confirmed by the Gaither Management Group on Saturday. There were no survivors, which has left their family and the gospel music community in shock.

Autumn Nelon Streetman, the couple’s other daughter and a member of The Nelons, expressed her gratitude for the prayers and support coming from friends and fans. She mentioned that she and her husband, Jamie, are expecting a baby boy soon.

Along with the Nelons, Nathan Kistler, Amber’s husband, and family friend Melodi Hodges were also killed in the crash. The pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa, were among the victims as well.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the plane, identified as a Pilatus PC-12/47E, may have suffered an autopilot issue leading up to the accident.

Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia, where Haynie served as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections, shared his sorrow over the losses and called for prayers for the families affected.

The Nelons have been a significant part of the gospel music scene, recording over 35 albums and receiving numerous accolades. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won several Dove Awards over the course of their career.