Janice R. Andrews
Tragically, three members of the well-known Atlanta gospel group The Nelons perished in an aircraft crash on Friday close to Gillette, Wyoming. The Gaither Music Management Group stated that the family was on their way to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska.
The victims of this tragic event include Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and her parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark. Among the dead in the disaster were their aide, Melodi Hodges, and the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his spouse, Melissa.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, daughter of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, released the following heartfelt statement expressing her grief: “As many of you have already heard, our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, along with my sister Amber and brother-in-law Nathan, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday. I appreciate all of the prayers that have already been said for Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark, as well as for myself, my husband Jamie, and our unborn child. As we traverse the upcoming days, we are grateful for your unwavering prayers, love, and support.”
The accident is presently being looked into by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB’s preliminary report states that on Friday at around 1:04 PM MDT, a Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft collided with the ground. The inquiry is still ongoing to learn all the specifics of the incident.
NTSB Media Relations Specialist Keith Holloway stressed that little information is now available and the inquiry is still in its early phases. Holloway told USA TODAY, “The NTSB team is expected to be on scene today.” The pilot, the aircraft, and the operational environment will all be carefully examined throughout the inquiry.
“The aircraft is in a remote location, and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
The NTSB invites anybody who saw the collision or has information that might help with the inquiry to send an email to witness@ntsb.gov.
The Nelons, well-known for their enormous influence on gospel music, have deeply impacted a great number of people. There are ripples of sadness throughout the gospel music community and beyond because of this horrible tragedy. Families, friends, and fans all throughout the world are grieving the death of Jason, Kelly, Amber, Nathan, Melodi, Larry, and Melissa.
