Current:Home > Invest3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -MoneyStream
3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
View
Date:2025-04-17 03:55:33
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! (7551)
Related
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Louisiana becomes first state to allow surgical castration as punishment for child molesters
- Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese: Fever-Sky tickets most expensive in WNBA history
- This week on Sunday Morning (June 23)
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Prosecutor asks police to keep working gun investigation involving Michigan lawmaker
- Man accused in killing and kidnappings in Louisiana waives extradition
- TikToker Has Internet Divided After Saying She Charged Fellow Mom Expenses for Daughter's Playdate
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- US Olympic and other teams will bring their own AC units to Paris, undercutting environmental plan
Ranking
- Beware of giant spiders: Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season
- Amtrak resumes service after disruptions along Northeast corridor amid severe heat wave
- Athletics to move to 1st week of 2028 Olympics, swimming to 2nd week, plus some venues changed
- California implementing rehabilitative programs in state prisons to reshape incarceration methods
- Beware of giant spiders: Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season
- Prosecutors drop most charges against student protesters who occupied Columbia University building
- TikToker Has Internet Divided After Saying She Charged Fellow Mom Expenses for Daughter's Playdate
- New Mexico judge weighs whether to compel testimony from movie armorer in Alec Baldwin trial
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
When does Sha'Carri Richardson run at US Olympic trials?
Alaska serial killer who admitted to killing five people has died in an Indiana prison
H&M Summer Sale: Up to 77% Off! Shop $8 Dresses, $10 Pants, $25 Blazers & More Stylish Deals
Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
McDonald's unveils new $5 meal deal coming this summer, as franchise focuses on 'value'
2 teens on jet ski died after crashing into boat at 'high rate of speed' on Illinois lake
Family wants DNA testing on strand of hair that could hold key to care home resident’s death