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27th July 2024
02:59pm BST
Three members of Grammy-nominated family band, The Nelons have been killed in a plane crash en route to a concert.
Three members of the renowned gospel group, Jason Nelon Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, were on board the flight to Alaska when it crashed in Wyoming on Friday.
Four others on board were also killed according to The Sun. They have been named as Nathan Kistler – Amber’s husband, their assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa Haynie.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the fourth member of the family, was not on the flight as she is expecting a baby boy.
The band was on their way to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when their plane crashed igniting a wildfire upon impact.
Despite Firefighters and emergency responders racing to the scene, there were no survivors.
Following the tragedy, Autumn Nelon Streetman, the surviving member of The Nelons issued a statement: “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, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday.
“Thank you 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. We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Meanwhile, Gaither Management Group confirmed that The National Transportation Safety Board was investigating the incident.
They said: “One of the best-loved Gospel music families in America, The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
“Autumn, Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter, and her husband, Jamie Streetman were not on the plane and arrived safely into Seattle and were notified of the accident.
“They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise.”
The group had stopped to refuel in Nebraska, with a video showing the band smiling shortly before take-off, posted online.
They had ventured into Nebraska City for a meal before reboarding the flight.
The aircraft involved was reported to be a Pilatus PC-12/47E, registered to Haynie Enterprises.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and are best known for their hits I Shall Not Be Moved, Come Morning, and We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.
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