Three members of the family gospel group The Nelons were killed in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday afternoon that also claimed the lives of four others, including the pilot.
The Gaither Management Group said in a statement on Saturday that Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were on their way to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the accident happened.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the collision happened close to the northeastern town of Recluse, Wyoming.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, another member of the group and Kelly and Jason’s other daughter, was not on the plane. “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 thanked in a brief statement that she released.
“As we navigate the upcoming days, we appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support,” she said.
Following a stop in Nebraska, the group posted their final Instagram picture on Friday.
“Homecoming Alaskan cruise with Gaither. Jason Clark said, “We’re on our way,” as the camera panned to reveal the other members of the group.
Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, pilot Nathan Kistler, Amber’s husband, and an assistant were also killed in the crash.
It wasn’t immediately evident what caused the collision. The National Transportation Safety Board is looking into the incident, according to Gaither Management Group.
An NTSB spokesperson stated that preliminary data suggests that a Pilatus PC-12/47E, a turboprop aircraft with a single engine, “impacted terrain following a reported autopilot issue during flight.”
The spokesperson stated that not much information is currently available and that the investigation is still in its early stages. A team from the agency was headed to the crash site. The spokesperson stated that the team will start inspecting the aircraft as soon as they have access to the plane, which is located in a remote area.
Haynie chaired the board of the Georgia Department of Corrections. Haynie and his spouse, according to the prisons department, “were also devoted to — and staunch supporters of — the GDC family” in addition to being “devoted to one another, to their grandchildren and family.”
The deaths have “truly saddened” Gov. Brian Kemp.
“Larry’s impact on our state will not be forgotten as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and through a career of valued service in public safety,” the statement on X read. “His memory and his unwavering dedication to his fellow Georgians will live on in our hearts and memories.”
“Everyone please join us in praying for the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, as well as for the gospel music community’s dear friends who have lost their lives in this tragic accident,” Kemp continued.
According to their website, The Nelons have released over 35 albums and over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, with songs like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O for a Thousand Tongues” among them.
They received their induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016.
The quartet was nominated for 35 GMA Dove Awards during their career, and in 1991 they were nominated for a Grammy for best Southern gospel album. For their song “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” which was released in 2021, they most recently won a Dove Award for country/bluegrass/roots recorded song of the year.
President Jackie Patillo released a statement saying, “The GMA and our entire music community is grieving over the tragic loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber as well as the others involved in the tragic plane crash.” We extend our sincere condolences and offer our prayers to Autumn and the entire Nelon family. The GMA Hall of Fame will always cherish and remember them.