GILLETTE, WY – A tragic plane crash in Wyoming claimed the lives of three members of the renowned gospel family quartet, The Nelons, along with four others, on Friday. The victims were en route to Seattle for a musical cruise when their single-engine aircraft went down, igniting a wildfire.
The crash occurred around 1 p.m. just north of Gillette, according to Campbell County officials. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) identified the aircraft as a Pilatus PC-12/47E. The deceased include Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, and their assistant Melodi Hodges, as well as the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa.
The sole surviving member of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame group, daughter Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane. She had already arrived in Seattle when she received the devastating news. In a heartfelt statement, Nelon Streetman expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support for her family, including her husband Jamie and their unborn son, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.
The Nelons, established in 1977 by Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, Rex Nelon, have been a staple in the gospel music scene, known for their soulful hymns and folk music. The group boasts over 35 albums and has earned numerous accolades, including three Grammy nominations and six GMA Dove Awards. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Preliminary information from the NTSB suggests an autopilot issue may have contributed to the crash. Investigators have been dispatched to the site to conduct a thorough examination. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, while a final report could take up to two years to determine the probable cause.
This incident has sent shockwaves through the gospel music community, with fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a beloved family and their contributions to the genre. The Nelons’ legacy of faith and music will undoubtedly endure, even as they are deeply missed.