A tragic plane crash has claimed the lives of all seven passengers on board, including the beloved Nelon family, a prominent gospel music group in the United States. Among those who perished in the crash were Jason Nelon Clark and his wife, Kelly Nelon Clark, along with their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, and two other family members who had previously received Grammy nominations. The loss of this family has left the gospel community and their fans in shock and mourning.
Also on the flight were Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, who was an employee of the family, as well as the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The crash left no survivors, and the tragic loss of these individuals has sent waves of grief across the country.
Season 4 of The Nelon, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not aboard the plane at the time of the crash. The Nelon family and their associates were on their way to Alaska to take part in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, a popular gospel music event, when the plane crashed in Wyoming. The impact of the crash caused a massive forest fire. Just before the flight, a video captured Jason Nelon Clark speaking with his family and the pilot on a runway in Nebraska during a refueling stop. In the footage, Jason appears happy and at ease, unaware of the tragic fate that awaited them. The jet, owned by pilot Larry Haynie, can be seen in the background of the video.
The seven individuals on board seemed to be enjoying their time together, sharing laughs and making plans for the upcoming journey. Unfortunately, their lives were cut short when the plane crashed to the ground in flames. Emergency personnel and firefighters quickly arrived on the scene as a wildfire ignited nearby, but there were no survivors, according to the Wyoming sheriff’s office.
In a heartfelt statement, Autumn Nelon Streetman expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of her family and friends. She said, “As many of you already know, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister Amber, my brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a devastating plane crash this past Friday.” She went on to thank those who have already offered prayers and support for her, her husband Jamie, their unborn son, and her grandparents, Dan and Linda Clark. “Your prayers, love, and support will be invaluable as we navigate the difficult days ahead. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” she added.
The aircraft involved in the crash was identified as a Pilatus PC-12/47E, which was owned by Haynie Enterprises. According to FlightAware.com, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be conducting an investigation into the cause of the crash. The investigation will likely take several months, as the circumstances surrounding the crash are still unclear.
The Nelon family has been a cornerstone of gospel music in the United States for decades. In 2016, The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, a testament to their influence and contributions to the genre. Their timeless songs, such as “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” have resonated with generations of gospel music fans. Throughout their illustrious career, they were nominated for three Grammy Awards, further cementing their legacy as one of the most impactful gospel music families in American history. Their tragic passing leaves a void that will not be easily filled, and their memory will live on through their music.
