Current:Home > My3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -EquityZone
3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
View
Date:2025-04-16 03:13:21
The gospel music community is in mourning.
Three members of The Nelons, a Grammy-nominated family gospel group, died in a private plane crash in Wyoming that claimed the lives of all seven people aboard July 26.
Singers Kelly Nelon Clark, 64, husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, 35, were killed along with the latter's husband Nathan Kistler, 34, the Georgia-based band's assistant, Melodi Hodges, plus the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa Haynie, Gaither Management Group said in a statement.
"One of the best loved Gospel music families in America," the company said. "The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska."
Kelly and Jason's youngest daughter, fellow Nelons singer Autumn Nelon Streetman, 27, who had traveled separately to the cruise along with her husband Jamie Streetman. Following the crash, Autumn, who is in the second trimester of her pregnancy with the couple's first child, thanked fans for their support.
"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," she wrote on Instagram. "We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days."
The single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft had flown from Georgia to Nebraska City, Neb. the morning of July 26 and then took off again that afternoon, headed for another stop in Billings, Mont., according to flight records obtained by E! News.
WSB-TV in Atlanta reported that the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are both investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in a remote area north of Gillette, Wyo.
An NTSB spokesperson told British newspaper The Guardian that preliminary information indicated the accident took place following an “autopilot issue during flight."
Hours before the accident, the Nelons shared a travel vlog from a Nebraska airport on Instagram.
Autumn, the only surviving member of the Nelons, and her husband were notified of the plane crash upon their arrival at their destination, Gaither Management Group said in their statement.
"They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief," the company said in their statement, "pledging to support them in whatever needs arise."
The management group added that "Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly's brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers."
Rex Nelon, Kelly's late father, founded the band in the late '70s. The group, whose lineup has changed over the decades, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Southern Gospel Album for Let The Redeemed Say So in 1991. The Nelons were also known for songs such as "I Shall Not Be Moved" and "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown."
Autumn, the only surviving member of the Nelons, and her husband were notified of the plane crash upon their arrival at their destination, Gaither Management Group said in their statement.
"They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief," the company said in their statement, "pledging to support them in whatever needs arise."
The management group added that "Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly's brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (675)
Related
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Hair loss is extremely common. Are vitamins the solution?
- Watch: These tech tips help simplify back-to-school shopping
- Post Malone Makes Rare Comments About His Fiancée and 2-Year-Old Daughter
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Utility worker electrocuted after touching live wire working on power pole in Mississippi
- Olympic medal count today: What is the medal count at 2024 Paris Games on Sunday?
- Powerball winning numbers for August 10 drawing: Jackpot now worth $212 million
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Jordan Chiles Stripped of Bronze Medal in 2024 Olympics Floor Exercise
Ranking
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Post Malone Makes Rare Comments About His Fiancée and 2-Year-Old Daughter
- Covering my first Olympics: These are the people who made it unforgettable
- Adrian Weinberg stymies Hungary, US takes men's water polo bronze in shootout
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- The 'raw food diet' is an online fad for pet owners. But, can dogs eat raw meat?
- Who will be on 2028 Olympic women's basketball team? Caitlin Clark expected to make debut
- Miley Cyrus Breaks Down in Tears While Being Honored at Disney Legends Ceremony
Recommendation
Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
Jordan Chiles bumped off podium as gymnastics federation reinstates initial score
Watch: These tech tips help simplify back-to-school shopping
Olympics highlights: Closing ceremony, Tom Cruise, final medal count and more
North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
Will Katie Ledecky Compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics? She Says...
Winners and losers of the 2024 Olympics: Big upsets, failures and joyful moments
Dozens of pregnant women, some bleeding or in labor, being turned away from ERs despite federal law