Three members of Grammy-nominated gospel group The Nelons among 7 killed in Wyoming plane crash

The group's management company, Gaither Music, shared the heartbreaking news on social media
UPDATED JUL 28, 2024
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were killed in a plane crash (Getty Image)
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were killed in a plane crash (Getty Image)

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

 Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson, Autumn Nelon Clark, and Jason Clark of The Nelons attend the 52nd GMA Dove Awards at Lipscomb Allen Arena on October 19, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
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 (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

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.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Autumn Nelon Streetman (@autumnnelon)


 

"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

Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson, Jason Clark and Autumn Nelon Clark of musical group The Nelon's attend the 49th Annual GMA Dove Awards at Allen Arena, Lipscomb University on October 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
The tragic news of the plane crash that claimed the lives of three members of The Nelons has elicited a flood of condolences and heartfelt messages from fans and the wider community(Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

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.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025