Gospel Music World Mourns as Plane Crash Claims Lives

February 2, 2025 - by cheaunratana - 534 Comments.

Three Members of Gospel Group The Nelons Die in Wyoming Plane Crash. Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were among the seven victims of a tragic plane crash while en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska.

Gospel Music Family Mourns Tragic Loss

Three members of The Nelons, a well-known gospel music family from Atlanta, lost their lives in a devastating plane crash on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from Gaither Management Group.

The accident, which claimed four additional lives, occurred near Recluse, Wyoming—a small community in the northeastern part of the state—according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The victims were identified as Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and pilot Larry Haynie along with his wife Melissa.

Flight to Gaither Cruise Ends in Tragedy

The group was traveling to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when the incident took place. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the NTSB confirmed that the Pilatus PC-12/47E turboprop aircraft had reported an autopilot malfunction prior to the crash.

Surviving Daughter Speaks Out

Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only member of The Nelons not aboard the flight, issued a heartfelt statement thanking those who had already reached out. “We deeply appreciate the prayers that have been offered for me, my husband Jamie, and our soon-to-arrive baby boy, as well as for Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” she shared. “Your continued prayers, love, and support mean everything as we navigate the difficult days ahead.”

On Friday, just hours before the crash, The Nelons posted a video to Instagram from a stopover in Nebraska. In the clip, Jason Clark could be heard saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way,” as he panned the camera across the group.

NTSB Investigation Underway

The NTSB has begun examining the crash site, confirming that the pilot had reported issues with the aircraft’s autopilot system shortly before impact. Due to the remote location of the wreckage, investigators are just beginning to assess the full scope of the tragedy.

A spokesperson from the agency noted that debris was scattered across a wide area, emphasizing that more details will be released as the investigation progresses.

Remembering the Victims

Pilot Larry Haynie was also known for his role as chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sympathies, stating that Larry and Melissa Haynie were “deeply devoted to each other, to their grandchildren and family, and to the GDC family.”

Governor Kemp added that he was “truly heartbroken” over the loss. “Our entire family asks everyone to pray for those who have passed, for their loved ones, and for the gospel music community as they mourn dear friends taken too soon in this devastating accident.”

The Nelons’ Lasting Legacy

Originally founded in 1977 as The Rex Nelon Singers, the group later became The Nelons, featuring Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, and their daughters Amber and Autumn. Known for beloved songs like “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” they recorded more than 35 albums and achieved over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles.

The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016 and received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Southern Gospel Album in 1991 and 35 GMA Dove Award nominations. In 2021, they won their most recent Dove Award for “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” recognized as Country/Bluegrass/Roots Recorded Song of the Year.

Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association, released a statement on Saturday in remembrance of the family: “Our hearts go out to Autumn and the entire Nelon family. Their impact on gospel music will never be forgotten, and they will always be honored in the GMA Hall of Fame.”