In a devastating accident, three members of the acclaimed gospel group, the Nelons, were killed in a plane crash on Friday. The crash, which occurred northeast of Gillette, Wyoming, resulted in the deaths of Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter, Amber Kistler, along with four others on board.
The crash occurred around 1 p.m. local time and triggered a wildfire in the area. The victims also include Kistler’s husband, Nathan, the group’s assistant, Melodi Hodges, and the aircraft's pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.
According to the Gaither Management Group, the Nelons were en route to perform on the Gaither Homecoming cruise to Alaska. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that preliminary findings suggest an “autopilot issue” may have contributed to the crash. A team of investigators has been dispatched to the site, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days and a final report potentially taking up to two years.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest daughter of Jason and Kelly Clark, was not on the plane. She expressed her grief and gratitude for the support received in the wake of the tragedy. “Thank you for the prayers extended to me, my husband Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy,” she said. “We appreciate your continued support as we navigate this difficult time.”
The Gaither Management Group has reported that Streetman and her husband will return to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, for support. The Gaithers, who were set to embark on their music-themed cruise from Seattle, have rallied around the Nelon family, offering prayers and support.
The Nelons, known for their contributions to gospel music, were inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won multiple GMA Dove awards. Kelly Nelon Clark, in addition to her music career, appeared in television dramas and docuseries.
As investigations continue, the NTSB will document the crash scene and recover the aircraft for further evaluation. The tragic loss has deeply affected the gospel music community and fans worldwide, who mourn the passing of this beloved family and their associates.
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