In a devastating and inexplicable tragedy, a plane carrying some of gospel music’s most popular songs has crashed, resulting in the loss of all seven passengers on board.
Among those tragically killed were the Nelons, a family revered in the gospel community for their soul-stirring music and decades of ministry. The accident has left the world of gospel music in shock as the sudden loss of these iconic figures raises questions about the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.
All on board were killed when the plane carrying the Nelons, a well-known and adored gospel family in the US, crashed.
The tragic disaster claimed the lives of seven people, including two Grammy-nominated family members, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler.
Pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, and family employee Melodi Hodges were killed.
At this point, the plane was not carrying The Nelon Season 4, Autumn Nelon Streetman.
Band members traveled to Alaska on Friday to take part in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. However, when their plane crashed over Wyoming, it ignited a massive forest fire.
In a video taken just before they boarded the plane that was about to go down, Jason is shown smiling as he talks to his family and the pilot at an airstrip in Nebraska.
The terrifying footage was taken at midday when the group stopped to refuel, and the jet in the distance is believed to be pilot Larry.
Five of the seven passengers are giggling and joking about the upcoming trip.
Firefighters and other emergency responders rushed to the scene because the fire broke out after someone reported that the plane had crashed in flames.
The Wyoming Sheriff’s Office reports that no one escaped alive.
“As many of you already 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 in a terrible plane crash. On Friday,” Autumn Nelon Streetman said in a statement about the incident.
Thank you for the prayers already offered for Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be baby.
“With your love, support, and prayers we will get through the next few days. Thank you.”
According to FlightAware.com, it was a Pilatus PC-12/47E belonging to Haynie Enterprises.
The accident will now be investigated by the National Transport Safety Authority.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. They are considered by many to be one of the most important families in American gospel history.
Their best-known songs include Come Morning, We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown and I Shall Not Be Moved.
They have also received three Grammy nominations during their history.
The tragic loss of The Nelons and their bandmates has left a deep void in the hearts of their fans and the gospel music community. Built on years of impactful music and dedication, their legacy will continue to resonate through their timeless songs and the countless lives they have touched. As family, friends, and fans mourn, they find comfort in the enduring spirit of faith and music of The Nelons.
The outpouring of support for surviving family members, including Autumn Nelon Streetman, as well as the Clark and Kistler families, serves as a testament to the love and admiration they shared with so many. While this devastating accident took beloved figures, their contributions to gospel music and the lasting impact of their work will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved them.