A tragic plane crash has claimed the lives of three members of the renowned American gospel group The Nelons, including Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. The devastating incident occurred on Friday while the family was en route to a performance in Seattle, Wyoming officials reported.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, who is also part of the Grammy Award-nominated group but was not on the flight, confirmed the heartbreaking news of her family’s passing through social media, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and prayers following the tragedy.
The crash also resulted in the deaths of Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, their family assistant Melodi Hodges, and the aircraft’s pilot, Larry Haynie, along with his wife, Melissa Haynie. According to the group’s management, they were heading to join a cruise ship for a scheduled performance when the incident occurred.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the aircraft went down around 1:00 PM local time, north of Gillette, Wyoming, sparking a wildfire in the vicinity. Preliminary investigations from the National Transportation Safety Board suggest that the crash may have been caused by an “autopilot issue.”
In her message, Autumn shared her sorrow and thanked the fans for their ongoing support during this difficult time for her family. She also mentioned her anticipation for the arrival of her first child and her thoughts for her grandparents, Dan and Linda Clark.
The Nelons, founded in the 1970s by Kelly’s father, Rex Nelon, have been recognized with three Grammy nominations and were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Their well-loved songs include “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” In addition to her musical talents, Kelly Nelon Clark appeared in the ABC fantasy drama “Resurrection,” showcasing her versatility as an artist.
