Tragic Plane Crash Claims Lives of The Nelons Family Members

Incident Overview

On Friday afternoon, a catastrophic plane crash in Recluse, Wyoming, resulted in the tragic deaths of three members of the esteemed family gospel group The Nelons, along with four other individuals, including the pilot. The deceased were identified as Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. They were en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the fatal accident occurred, as confirmed by a statement from Gaither Management Group on Saturday.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported that the crash occurred near Recluse, a small, rural community in the northeastern region of Wyoming. The aircraft involved in the tragedy was a Pilatus PC-12/47E, a single-engine turboprop. Initial reports suggest that the crash may have been caused by an autopilot malfunction. Currently, the investigation is in its early stages, with an NTSB team dispatched to the crash site to conduct a comprehensive examination of the wreckage and gather further details.

Details of the Incident

In addition to the Nelons family members, the plane crash claimed the lives of Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler; Melodi Hodges, an assistant; and the pilot, Larry Haynie, along with his wife, Melissa Haynie. The exact factors leading up to the crash remain undetermined at this time. The NTSB spokesperson indicated that the investigation will be exhaustive, focusing on the aircraft's condition, the sequence of events leading to the crash, and other relevant factors. The investigative team is currently working to access the remote crash site and initiate a detailed assessment of the aircraft and its systems.

Impact on the Gospel Music Community

The Nelons, a highly esteemed family gospel group, have had a profound impact on Southern Gospel music over their extensive career. Their discography includes more than 35 albums and over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, featuring notable tracks such as “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” and “O for a Thousand Tongues.” Their contributions to the genre were formally recognized in 2016 with their induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Beyond their Hall of Fame recognition, The Nelons received a Grammy nomination for Best Southern Gospel Album in 1991 and garnered 35 nominations for the GMA Dove Awards. They were honored with a Dove Award for Country/Bluegrass/Roots Recorded Song of the Year in 2021 for their song “If God Pulled Back the Curtain.” The loss of these influential figures is profoundly felt within the gospel music community, which mourns the passing of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the genre.

Reactions and Tributes

The tragic news has prompted an outpouring of tributes and expressions of grief from various individuals and organizations. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia expressed his deep sorrow over the deaths, highlighting Larry Haynie’s significant contributions as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and his esteemed career in public safety. “As chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and through a career of valued service in public safety, Larry’s impact on our state will not be forgotten,” Kemp remarked on X (formerly Twitter). “Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for those who have been lost, for their loved ones and communities, and for those throughout the gospel music community who have lost dear friends in this heartbreaking accident.”

Jackie Patillo, President of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), also conveyed her condolences. “The GMA and our entire music community are grieving over the tragic loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber, as well as the others involved in the tragic plane crash,” Patillo stated. “Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Autumn and the rest of the Nelon family. They will be forever cherished and remembered in the GMA Hall of Fame.”

Personal Statements

Autumn Nelon Streetman, the surviving daughter and member of The Nelons, issued a brief statement expressing gratitude for the support her family has received during this challenging time. She thanked everyone for their prayers and support directed towards her, her husband Jamie, their soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days,” she said.

Final Moments and Public Reaction

The Nelons’ last Instagram post, shared on Friday, captured a moment from their journey. The group had posted a snapshot of a pit stop in Nebraska, with Jason Clark providing an update on their progress toward the Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. The tragic and sudden loss of these prominent figures has shocked their fans and highlighted the tight-knit nature of the gospel music community. As the investigation continues, the legacy of The Nelons and their significant contributions to gospel music will be enduringly honored and remembered.