The sole surviving member of the Nelons released a heartfelt statement regarding the tragic deaths of her family members.
A plane carrying the Nelons, a beloved gospel family in the United States, crashed, killing everyone on board.
The horrific accident claimed seven lives, including Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, and their son-in-law Nathan Kistler. Also among the deceased were Melanie Hodges, a family employee, and Larry Haynie, the pilot, along with his wife, Melissa.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only remaining member of the group, was not on the plane at the time.
The plane crashed over Wyoming while the group was en route to Alaska to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. Witnesses reported that the plane erupted in flames upon impact, prompting firefighters and emergency workers to rush to the scene as a wildfire broke out.
According to the Wyoming sheriff’s office, there were no survivors.
In a statement, Autumn Nelon Streetman expressed her grief: “As many of you know by now, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister Amber, brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were in a terrible plane crash on Friday.”
She extended her gratitude for the support received: “Thank you for the prayers that have already been said for me, my husband Jamie, our soon-to-be-born son, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. Your prayers, love, and support will help us get through the next few days. Thank you.”
A video taken just before the doomed flight shows Jason conversing with his family and the pilot on a Nebraska runway, all smiling.
FlightAware.com reports that the aircraft was a Pilatus PC-12/47E owned by Haynie Enterprises. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the accident.
The Nelons, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, are considered one of the most influential families in US gospel history. Their most popular songs include “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” Throughout their career, they have also received three Grammy nominations.