The last surviving member of a renowned gospel group has released a heartfelt statement regarding the devastating loss of her family members in a tragic plane crash.
A private plane carrying the Nelons, a beloved gospel music family in the United States, crashed, killing everyone on board. Among the seven victims were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, and their son-in-law Nathan Kistler. Melanie Hodges, a close associate of the family, along with Larry Haynie, the plane’s pilot, and his wife Melissa, were also tragically killed in the crash.
The only member of the family not on the plane was Autumn Nelon Streetman. She was not present on the flight at the time of the accident, sparing her from the disaster.
The crash occurred while the band members were en route to Alaska to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. According to reports, their plane crashed in a remote area of Wyoming. Eyewitnesses said that the plane went down in flames, and emergency responders, including firefighters, rushed to the scene as a wildfire broke out in the area surrounding the crash site.
Tragically, according to the Wyoming sheriff’s office, there were no survivors of the crash. The news sent shockwaves through the gospel music community and the country at large, as the Nelons had long been a staple in the American gospel music scene.
In the wake of the tragedy, Autumn Nelon Streetman released an emotional statement addressing the loss of her loved ones. She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “As many of you now know, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, my sister Amber, my brother-in-law Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melanie Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a terrible plane crash last Friday.”
She continued by thanking those who had already offered prayers and support for her and her family, particularly for her husband Jamie, their unborn child, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. “Your prayers, love, and support will help us get through the next few days. Thank you,” she added, showing her appreciation for the outpouring of love and sympathy from friends, fans, and well-wishers across the nation.
Just hours before the crash, a video surfaced showing Jason Nelon Clark smiling and speaking with his family and the pilot on the runway in Nebraska. The footage, taken just before they boarded the ill-fated flight, captures what would tragically be their final moments together.
According to FlightAware.com, the aircraft involved in the crash was a Pilatus PC-12/47E, a single-engine turboprop plane owned by Haynie Enterprises. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) now taking the lead in examining the details surrounding the incident.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing their legacy as one of the most influential families in the history of gospel music in the United States. Over the years, they became well-known for their contributions to gospel music, with popular songs such as “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” Their work touched the hearts of countless fans, earning them widespread recognition and respect.
In addition to their Hall of Fame induction, the Nelons were nominated for three Grammy Awards throughout their distinguished career. Their music and ministry left a lasting impact on the gospel world, and their loss will be deeply felt by those who followed and cherished their work.
As the community mourns the tragic loss, fans and fellow musicians alike have come together to remember and honor the Nelons’ remarkable legacy.
