Current:Home > Scams3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -WealthRoots Academy
3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
View
Date:2025-04-11 18:57:51
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! (54478)
Related
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Are you a better parent than your mom or dad? My son's question sent me into a spiral.
- Native American-led nonprofit says it bought 40 acres in the Black Hills of South Dakota
- 'SNL': Ryan Gosling sings Taylor Swift to say goodbye to Ken, Kate McKinnon returns
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- After finishing last at Masters, Tiger Woods looks ahead to three remaining majors
- Carnie Wilson says she lost 40 pounds without Ozempic: 'I'm really being strict'
- 2025 Nissan Kicks: A first look at a working-class hero with top-tier touches
- Small twin
- Bureau of Prisons to close California women’s prison where inmates have been subjected to sex abuse
Ranking
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Semiautomatic firearm ban passes Colorado’s House, heads to Senate
- Horoscopes Today, April 13, 2024
- Pilot of experimental plane fell out and hit the tail in 2022 crash that killed 2, investigators say
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Is orange juice good for you? Why one woman's 'fruitarianism' diet is causing controversy.
- WalletHub: Honolulu city hit hardest by inflation
- Jill Duggar Dillard, Derick Dillard reveal stillbirth of daughter Isla Marie in emotional post
Recommendation
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
Golden retriever nicknamed 'The Dogfather' retires after fathering more than 300 guide dogs
Stock market today: Asian stocks track Wall Street’s decline as Middle East tensions escalate
Bitcoin ETF trading volume tripled in March. Will that trend continue in April?
Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
4 people dead after train crashes into pickup at Idaho railroad crossing, police say
Military marchers set out from Hopkinton to start the 128th Boston Marathon
'Civil War': Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaeny break down 'heartbreaking' yet disturbing ending