Current:Home > Finance3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -WealthMindset Learning
3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
View
Date:2025-04-18 13:27:09
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! (6)
Related
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Concerns for playoff contenders lead college football Week 7 overreactions
- The Bloody Reason Matthew McConaughey Had to Redo Appearance With Jimmy Fallon
- Biden surveys Milton damage; Florida power will be restored by Tuesday: Updates
- IRS recovers $4.7 billion in back taxes and braces for cuts with Trump and GOP in power
- Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty even WNBA Finals 1-1 after downing Minnesota Lynx
- Pilot killed and passenger injured as small plane crashes in Georgia neighborhood
- Why Sarah Turney Wanted Her Dad Charged With Murder After Sister Alissa Turney Disappeared
- Report: Lauri Markkanen signs 5-year, $238 million extension with Utah Jazz
- Ariana Grande Brings Back Impressions of Céline Dion, Jennifer Coolidge and More on SNL
Ranking
- Audit: California risked millions in homelessness funds due to poor anti-fraud protections
- 1 dead, 9 injured after shooting near Tennessee State University, authorities say
- Shocker! No. 10 LSU football stuns No. 8 Ole Miss and Lane Kiffin in dramatic finish
- What is Columbus Day? What to know about the federal holiday
- Meta releases AI model to enhance Metaverse experience
- Fantasy football Week 7 drops: 5 players you need to consider cutting
- What TV channel is Bengals vs. Giants game on? Sunday Night Football start time, live stream
- Kamala Harris, Donald Trump face off on 'Family Feud' in 'SNL' cold open
Recommendation
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Inside LSU football's wild comeback that will change Brian Kelly's tenure (Or maybe not.)
How did Ashton Jeanty do vs Hawaii? Boise State RB's stats, highlights from Week 7 win
ManningCast schedule: Will there be a 'Monday Night Football' ManningCast in Week 6?
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
How much is the 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz EV? A lot more than just any minivan
Trump’s protests aside, his agenda has plenty of overlap with Project 2025
Washington state’s landmark climate law hangs in the balance in November