Three Members of Gospel Family Group The Nelons Killed in Wyoming Plane Crash

Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska. Four additional people, including the pilot, were also killed.

Three members of The Nelons, a prominent gospel music family group from Atlanta, died in a plane crash on Friday afternoon that claimed the lives of four other individuals, according to a statement issued by Gaither Management Group on Saturday.

The accident occurred near Recluse, Wyoming, a small community in the northeastern part of the state, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Those who died were identified as Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, as well as Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife Melissa.

Group En Route to Gaither Cruise

Gaither Management Group noted that the family had been headed to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska at the time of the crash. While investigators are still determining what led to the tragedy, the NTSB confirmed that it occurred following reports of an autopilot malfunction on the Pilatus PC-12/47E turboprop aircraft.

Surviving Daughter Issues Statement

The only member of The Nelons not on the plane, Autumn Nelon Streetman, is also part of the group. She released a brief statement expressing gratitude for “the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.” She added, “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”

On Friday, the group’s last Instagram post showed them making a stopover in Nebraska. In the video, Jason Clark could be heard saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way,” before showing everyone else on the trip.

NTSB Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board, which is currently examining the crash site, shared that the pilot reported a problem with the plane’s autopilot system shortly before the crash. With the aircraft located in a remote area, investigators are just beginning their work to determine the exact cause.

Fragments of the plane were found scattered around a wide debris field, the NTSB spokesperson said, emphasizing that information will remain limited until the agency’s on-site assessment is complete.

Remembering the Victims

Pilot Larry Haynie also served as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, noting that Larry and Melissa Haynie were “devoted to one another, to their grandchildren and family, and were also devoted to — and staunch supporters of — the GDC family.”

Gov. Kemp also said he was “truly saddened” by the tragic loss. “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.”

Legacy of The Nelons

Founded in 1977 as The Rex Nelon Singers, the group evolved into The Nelons, made up of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and their daughters Amber and Autumn. Known for hits like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” The Nelons have recorded more than 35 albums and scored over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles.

They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016 and, over the course of their career, received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Southern Gospel Album in 1991 and 35 GMA Dove Award nominations. Their most recent Dove Award came in 2021 for “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” which was named Country/Bluegrass/Roots Recorded Song of the Year.

Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association, released a statement on Saturday mourning the loss. “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.”