Three members of beloved US gospel group The Nelons have 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 all but Autumn, who was not on the plane.
Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler and three friends also died in the crash, which happened over Wyoming en-route to Alaska, where they were due to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
Seven people died in the crash leaving no survivors, and Campbell County’s Facebook page said it happened at about 1pm, north of the town of Gillette, and sparked a wildfire.
The Nelons formed one of the most iconic families in US gospel history and were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Autumn, who is pregnant with a baby boy, released a statement on Sunday to announce the devastating news.
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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, 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.’
A statement from Gaither Management Group added: ‘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.
‘Killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.
‘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.
‘Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead.
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‘Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers.’
Just 17 hours ago the band’s official Instagram page – which has 42,000 followers – posted a video of them on their way to Alaska during a Nebraska pitstop, in which the plane can be seen in the background.
‘We’re on our way,’ Jason said, before explaining how they would be stopping at Montana. He also introduced their ‘wonderful pilot’, who could be seen smiling off camera.
Fans commented on the video in shock, as user trammell_tara said: ‘So hard to watch this now.’
‘Wow! No words…😢 praying for their families and friends. I am sure this video will be one their families keep close to their hearts. May the Lord be near to all who knew them,’ added ksiler429.
‘Absolutely heartbreaking,’ commented sherryp65, adding: ‘Praying 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 started by Kelly’s father Rex Nelon, also known for The LeFevres, in the 1970s.
Kelly was also an actress, who appeared in the ABC fantasy drama Resurrection, and did re-enactments for the docu series Homicide Hunter: Lt. Joe Kenda.
She was married to Jerry Thompson, who was also part of The Nelons. Kelly then married Jason Clark, and he became the group’s lead singer.
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