Three members of Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons among 7 killed in Wyoming plane crash
ALASKA: Three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group, The Nelons, tragically perished in a plane crash on Friday, July 26.
The group's management company, Gaither Music, announced the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were among the victims, as reported by People.
Fatal plane crash claims lives of Kelly Nelon Clark, family and other members of The Nelons
Amber's husband, Nathan Kistler, and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, also lost their lives in the crash, along with the plane's pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.
The family was traveling to perform at the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the tragedy occurred. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the accident.
Gaither Music shared that Kelly’s younger daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane. Autumn and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were informed of the tragedy after arriving in Seattle.
“Autumn and Jamie will return home to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead,” Gaither Music stated. “Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers.”
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Autumn expressed her gratitude for the prayers and support extended to her family. "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.
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"We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days,” she added.
NTSB investigates possible autopilot issue in fatal Wyoming plane crash
Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins confirmed to ABC News that the private plane went down north of Gillette, Wyoming, igniting a "wildland fire" that the Campbell County Fire Department worked to suppress.
The NTSB reported that the aircraft involved was a Pilatus PC-12/47E. Preliminary information suggests that an "autopilot issue during flight" may have contributed to the crash.
NTSB investigators are traveling to the crash site to document the scene and examine the aircraft. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, but the final report, determining the probable cause of the crash, may take up to two years to complete.
Three family members of The Nelons die in plane crash, condolences flood in
The tragic news of the plane crash that claimed the lives of three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons has elicited a flood of condolences and heartfelt messages from fans and the wider community.
One user expressed the collective grief by writing, "How heartbreaking, may they rest in peace." Another shared a personal connection, "My parents just went to one of their concerts! This is heartbreaking! for the families!"
The tragedy has also stirred anxiety among others. "Y’all, these crashes have me nervous. Rest in peace to these souls and my condolences to the family," another user commented.
One user was visibly shaken by the news, saying, "Oh my God!!!! That's so tragic. My heart just collapsed. My condolences."
Others reflected on the unimaginable loss, particularly for Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only surviving member of the quartet. "I don't know them but can't imagine being the only surviving member of the quartet. Sad," a user wrote.
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