Current:Home > Stocks3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash -Wealth Momentum Network
3 Members of The Nelons Family Gospel Group Dead in Plane Crash
Rekubit Exchange View
Date:2025-04-11 01:46:09
The gospel 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! (13112)
Related
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Who's golden? The final round of men's golf at Paris Olympics sets up to be fascinating
- Ticketmaster posts additional Eras Tour show in Toronto, quickly takes it down
- Sha’Carri Richardson overcomes sluggish start to make 100-meter final at Paris Olympics
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Katie Ledecky cements her status as Olympic icon with 9th gold, 12 years after her first
- IBA says it will award prize money to Italian boxer amid gender controversy at Olympics
- What’s the deal with the Olympics? Your burning questions are answered
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Why Simone Biles is leaving the door open to compete at 2028 Olympics: 'Never say never'
Ranking
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Cameron McEvoy is the world's fastest swimmer, wins 50 free
- Heartbroken US star Caeleb Dressel misses chance to defend Olympic titles in 50-meter free, 100 fly
- Hormonal acne doesn't mean you have a hormonal imbalance. Here's what it does mean.
- Trump invites nearly all federal workers to quit now, get paid through September
- As recruiting rebounds, the Army will expand basic training to rebuild the force for modern warfare
- Top 13 Must-Have Finds Under $40 from Revolve’s Sale: Featuring Free People, Steve Madden, Jordan & More
- Christina Hall, Rachel Bilson and More Stars Who’ve Shared Their Co-Parenting Journeys
Recommendation
John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
Screw the monarchy: Why 'House of the Dragon' should take this revolutionary twist
Vanderpump Rules' Scheana Shay Slams Rude Candace Cameron Bure After Dismissive Meeting
Emily Bader, Tom Blyth cast in Netflix adaptation of 'People We Meet on Vacation'
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Judge rejects replacing counsel for man charged with shooting 3 Palestinian college students
Meet the artist whose job is to paint beach volleyball at the 2024 Olympics
Is Sha'Carri Richardson running today? Olympics track and field schedule, times for Aug. 3