A tragic plane crash claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including members of the beloved Nelon family, a well-known gospel group in the United States. Among the victims were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, and two other family members who had been nominated for Grammy Awards.
In addition to the Nelon family, Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and a family employee named Melodi Hodges were also among those who perished. The pilot of the aircraft, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa Haynie, also lost their lives in the crash.
One member of The Nelons, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane during the incident. The family members and their companions were on their way to Alaska to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when the tragic accident occurred in Wyoming. The crash ignited a massive forest fire upon impact. A video taken just before the flight captured a moment of joy as Jason Nelon Clark chatted with his family and the pilot while on a runway in Nebraska. The pilot, Larry Haynie, is believed to be the owner of the jet seen in the background of the video, which was recorded during a refueling stop around noon.
The footage shows seven people aboard the aircraft, five of whom were seen laughing and discussing the exciting journey ahead. Sadly, what began as a cheerful moment quickly turned to tragedy. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane plummeted to the ground, engulfed in flames. Firefighters and emergency personnel responded immediately as a wildfire erupted near the crash site. According to the Wyoming sheriff’s office, there were no survivors.
Following the crash, Autumn Nelon Streetman issued a heartfelt statement expressing her sorrow and gratitude. “As many of you know, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister Amber, brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a devastating plane crash on Friday,” she said. She also thanked everyone for their prayers and support, adding, “Your prayers, love, and support will be invaluable as we navigate the coming days. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Pilatus PC-12/47E, owned by Haynie Enterprises, according to FlightAware.com. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced that it will conduct an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Nelon family has been an influential force in gospel music for decades. In 2016, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, cementing their legacy as one of the most significant families in the history of gospel music in the United States. Over the years, they have produced several well-known songs, including “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” Throughout their illustrious career, The Nelons received three Grammy nominations for their contributions to gospel music.
This heartbreaking event has left a deep void in the gospel music community, and the loss of the Nelon family will be felt for years to come. Their impact on the genre, both through their music and their legacy, remains a lasting testament to their talent and faith.
