Three out of four members of the American gospel singing group The Nelons have tragically died in a plane crash in northeast Wyoming. The small aircraft, carrying seven passengers, crashed while en route to perform on a cruise ship.
Among the deceased are Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Kistler. The Nelons were heading to perform on the Gaither Homecoming cruise to Alaska. The Gaither Management Group confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media.
“One of the best-loved gospel music families in America, the Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming cruise to Alaska,” read a statement on Instagram. “Killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler, and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with early indications pointing to an “autopilot issue during flight.” While a preliminary report is expected in 30 days, a full report could take up to two years. “The aircraft is in a remote location, and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft,” a spokesperson said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
The Nelons, a cherished gospel singing group, was founded by Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, Rex Nelon, in the 1970s. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016 and had won several GMA Dove awards, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
The group has recorded over 35 albums and achieved more than 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, with popular songs like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O for a Thousand Tongues.”
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest daughter of Jason and Kelly who was not on the aircraft, paid tribute to her family members. “As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber, and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” she wrote. “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. We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.”
This tragic event has left a profound impact on the gospel music community and all who loved The Nelons.
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