Three members of the Nelons, a renowned Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet, were among seven who perished in a devastating plane crash in Wyoming, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and a community in mourning.
The Gospel music world has been plunged into profound sorrow following the tragic loss of seven lives in a plane crash in Wyoming. Among the victims were three members of The Nelons, a celebrated Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet.
Co-founder Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were identified as among the deceased. Their daughter and the fourth band member, Autumn Nelon Streetman, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music: Seven Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash
"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," Nelon Streetman said. "We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days."
The plane was carrying the Atlanta-based Gospel music family to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when tragedy struck. Autumn Nelon Streetman and her husband, Jamie, who were not on board, received the devastating news upon arriving in Seattle.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music: Seven Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash
The couple was taken to a hotel where renowned gospel singers Bill and Gloria Gaither and other artists gathered to offer prayers, sing and mourn with them.
"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," Gaither Music Group said.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music: Seven Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash
The aircraft, identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E, crashed around 1 p.m. in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette. The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
NTSB spokesman Keith Holloway said the aircraft is located in a remote area, and investigators are working to document the scene and examine the wreckage. The plane will be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.
Tragedy Strikes Gospel Music: Seven Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash
A preliminary report on the crash is expected within 30 days, while a final report with the probable cause could take up to two years to complete.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and had won ten GMA Dove Awards, including multiple song of the year and album of the year honors. Their musical legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
Also killed in the crash were Amber Nelon Kistler's husband, Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. There were no survivors.
The Gospel music community and countless fans around the world are mourning the tragic loss of these talented individuals. Their voices and spirits will be deeply missed.
