Gina Heslop
The entire country is mourning the tragic plane crash that killed seven people, including three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group, the Nelons.
The accident claimed the lives of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, two other family members who were also Grammy-nominated, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges who worked for the family, and pilot Larry Haynie along with his wife Melissa. Autumn Nelon Streetman, another member of the Nelons, was not on the plane at the time.
On Friday, the group was en route to Alaska to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when their plane crashed in Wyoming, sparking a massive forest fire. A video recorded shortly before boarding shows Jason chatting and smiling with his family and the pilot on a Nebraska runway. The pilot, Larry, is believed to have owned the jet seen in the video, taken during a refueling stop around noon.
In the video, five of the seven passengers can be seen laughing and joking about their upcoming trip. Eyewitnesses reported that the plane crashed in flames, and emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, only to confirm that no one survived. The Wyoming sheriff’s office also confirmed the lack of survivors.
Autumn Nelon Streetman released a heartfelt statement about the tragedy: “As many of you know by now, 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 in a terrible plane crash on Friday.”
She expressed gratitude for the prayers and support for her, her husband Jamie, their unborn son, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark, saying, “Your prayers, love, and support will help us get through the next few days. Thank you.”
The plane, identified as a Pilatus PC-12/47E owned by Haynie Enterprises, will be investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of the crash.
The Nelons, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, are regarded as one of the most significant families in the history of U.S. gospel music. Some of their most popular songs include “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” Over their career, they received three Grammy nominations.
This tragic accident has left a void in the hearts of many, as the Nelons’ legacy in gospel music remains highly influential and cherished by fans nationwide.
