Current:Home > reviewsEchoSense:3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -Prime Capital Blueprint
EchoSense:3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-08 01:10:12
The EchoSensegospel music community is in mourning.
Three members of The Nelons, a Grammy-nominated family gospel group, died in a private plane crash in Wyoming that claimed the lives of all seven people aboard July 26.
Singers Kelly Nelon Clark, 64, husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, 35, were killed along with the latter's husband Nathan Kistler, 34, the Georgia-based band's assistant, Melodi Hodges, plus the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa Haynie, Gaither Management Group said in a statement.
"One of the best loved Gospel music families in America," the company said. "The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska."
Kelly and Jason's youngest daughter, fellow Nelons singer Autumn Nelon Streetman, 27, who had traveled separately to the cruise along with her husband Jamie Streetman. Following the crash, Autumn, who is in the second trimester of her pregnancy with the couple's first child, thanked fans for their support.
"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 on Instagram. "We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days."
The single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft had flown from Georgia to Nebraska City, Neb. the morning of July 26 and then took off again that afternoon, headed for another stop in Billings, Mont., according to flight records obtained by E! News.
WSB-TV in Atlanta reported that the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are both investigating the cause of the crash, which occurred in a remote area north of Gillette, Wyo.
An NTSB spokesperson told British newspaper The Guardian that preliminary information indicated the accident took place following an “autopilot issue during flight."
Hours before the accident, the Nelons shared a travel vlog from a Nebraska airport on Instagram.
Autumn, the only surviving member of the Nelons, and her husband were notified of the plane crash upon their arrival at their destination, Gaither Management Group said in their statement.
"They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief," the company said in their statement, "pledging to support them in whatever needs arise."
The management group added that "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."
Rex Nelon, Kelly's late father, founded the band in the late '70s. The group, whose lineup has changed over the decades, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Southern Gospel Album for Let The Redeemed Say So in 1991. The Nelons were also known for songs such as "I Shall Not Be Moved" and "We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown."
Autumn, the only surviving member of the Nelons, and her husband were notified of the plane crash upon their arrival at their destination, Gaither Management Group said in their statement.
"They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief," the company said in their statement, "pledging to support them in whatever needs arise."
The management group added that "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."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (7)
Related
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- A kitchen was set on fire and left full of smoke – because of the family dog
- Men's pro teams have been getting subsidies for years. Time for women to get them, too.
- Climate protestors disrupt 'An Enemy of the People' while Michael Imperioli stayed in character
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Severe storms rake Indiana and Kentucky, damaging dozens of structures
- Kentucky GOP moves to criminalize interference with legislature after transgender protests
- Inside Bachelor Alum Hannah Ann Sluss’ Bridal Shower Before Wedding to NFL’s Jake Funk
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Minnie Driver gives advice to her 'heartbroken' younger self about Matt Damon split
Ranking
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Conferences and Notre Dame agree on 6-year deal to continue College Football Playoff through 2031
- See Exes Phaedra Parks and Apollo Nida Reunite in Married to Medicine Reunion Preview
- North Korea says Kim Jong Un test drove a new tank, urged troops to complete preparations for war
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Apple to pay $490 million to settle allegations that it misled investors about iPhone sales in China
- As Conflict Rages On, Israel and Gaza’s Environmental Fates May Be Intertwined
- Bees swarm Indian Wells tennis tournament, prompting almost two-hour delay
Recommendation
Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
Things to know about developments impacting LGBTQ+ rights across the US
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin says he won’t support a budget that raises taxes
50 killed in anti-sorcery rituals after being forced to drink mysterious liquid, Angola officials say
Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
Bees swarm Indian Wells tennis tournament, prompting almost two-hour delay
The Best Cooling Sheets to Keep You Comfy & Sweat-Free, All Night Long
Barbiecore? Cottagecore? What does 'core' mean in slang and why can't we stop using it