THREE MEMBERS OF BELOVED GOSPEL GROUP DIE IN PLANE CRASH

Tragedy has struck the popular family gospel group, The Nelons, after three of its members died in a plane crash. Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, were killed in the crash while they were en route to perform on a cruise ship.

In addition to them, the crash also claimed the lives of Amber Nelon Kistler's husband, Nathan Kistler, the band's assistant, Melodi Hodges, the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.

Journey to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise

The family was on their way to Seattle to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, hosted by gospel veterans Bill and Gloria Gaither.

The only family member who survived was Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest daughter of the Clark family, who was not on the plane at the time. Autumn traveled to Seattle on a different flight with her husband, Jamie Streetman. They received the devastating news upon landing in Seattle.

Statements from the Family and Gaither Music Group

In her statement, Autumn said, "Thank you for the prayers that have been extended 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."

Gaither Music Group also issued a statement, "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."

They added, "Autumn, Jason and Kelly's youngest daughter, and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the plane and arrived safely in Seattle and were notified of the accident. They were brought to the hotel where artists gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing, and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise."

 Crash in Wyoming

The Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft went down just north of the town of Gillette, in Campbell County, Wyoming, around 1 PM local time on Friday, sparking a wildfire. An investigation has been launched into the cause of the crash.

History and Honors of The Nelons

The Nelons were founded in 1977 by the late Rex Nelon, Kelly Nelon Clark's father. The group has been recognized with numerous awards, including induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

This significant loss leaves a profound grief for their family, friends, and fans around the world.