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Three members of popular gospel group The Nelons killed in plane crash

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Kitty ChrispPublished July 27, 2024, 10:44 am|Updated July 27, 2024, 11:32 am
The band was founded by the Nelon family (Image: Jay Medeiros/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Three members of the popular US gospel group The Nelons died in a plane crash.

Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and Kelly’s daughters Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Streetman formed The Nelons before a devastating plane crash on Friday killed everyone except Autumn, who was not on board the flight.

Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and three friends also died in the crash, which occurred over Wyoming en route to Alaska, where they planned to take part in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.

Seven people were killed in the crash and there were no survivors. The Campbell County Facebook page said the crash occurred around 1 p.m. north of the city of Gillette and sparked a wildfire.

The Nelons formed one of the most famous families in American gospel history and were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

Autumn, who is pregnant with a baby boy, announced the devastating news in a statement on Sunday.

Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson, Autumn Nelon Clark and Jason Clark of The Nelons
Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Thompson and Jason Clark died in the crash (Image: Jason Kempin/Getty Images)

She wrote: “As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister Amber and brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday.

“Thank you for the prayers already extended to me, my husband Jamie and our soon to be born son, as well as Jason’s parents Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support in the days ahead.”

A statement from Gaither Management Group continued: “The Nelons, one of America’s most beloved gospel music families, were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash Friday afternoon en route to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.”

Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant Melodi Hodges, as well as the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa were killed in the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.

“Autumn, Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter, and her husband Jamie Streetman were not on board the aircraft, arrived safely in Seattle and were notified of the accident.”

“They were taken to the hotel where artists gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray for them, to sing and to support them in their grief and to promise them whatever their need required.”

“Autumn and Jamie return home to Kelly’s brother Todd Nelon and his wife Rhonda for now to tackle the difficult tasks that lie ahead.

“Please pray for her, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges.”

Just 17 hours ago, a video was posted on the band’s official Instagram page – which has 42,000 followers – showing the band on their way to Alaska during a pit stop in Nebraska, with the plane visible in the background.

“We’re on our way,” Jason said before explaining that they would be stopping in Montana. He also introduced their “wonderful pilot,” who was seen smiling out of camera view.

Fans commented on the video in shock, with user trammell_tara saying, “This is so hard to watch now.”

“Wow! No words…😢 Praying for their families and friends. I’m sure this video will be close to their families’ hearts. May the Lord be close to all who knew them,” added ksiler429.

“Absolutely heartbreaking,” commented sherryp65, adding, “I pray for God’s comfort for Autumn and the rest of the family. Comfort them, Lord.”

The Nelons, part of the Gaither Homecoming concert series, was founded in the 1970s by Kelly’s father, Rex Nelon, also known for The LeFevres.

Kelly has also worked as an actress, appearing in the ABC fantasy drama “Resurrection” and performing reenactments for the docuseries “Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda.”

She was married to Jerry Thompson, who was also part of The Nelons. Kelly then married Jason Clark, who became the group’s lead singer.

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