A final video has emerged capturing the moments prior to a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of three members of the beloved gospel group The Nelons.
The footage, which was shared to the Gospel group's official social media page just before their fatal flight, shows them in high spirits, unaware of the impending disaster.
On Friday (July 26), The Nelons were en route to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when their Pilatus PC-12/47E - believed to be owned by pilot Larry Haynie - crashed over Wyoming.
The accident resulted in a catastrophic wildfire upon impact, and there were no survivors, according to the Wyoming sheriff’s office.
The video, taken just before the group boarded the ill-fated plane, shows a smiling Jason Nelon Clark, his wife Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, and other members of their team interacting on a runway in Nebraska.
The jet, visible in the background, had stopped there to refuel around midday.
The footage was posted under the caption “Gaither Alaskan Cruise Travel Vlog,” and shows family’s assistant Melodi Hodges, as well as pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. Nathan Kistler, Amber’s husband, was also on the plane, though he is not in the video.
As mentioned, all seven individuals were killed as a result of the crash.
The group enjoyed a meal in Nebraska City before returning to board the jet for their journey. The crash occurred shortly after their departure, as they were heading to Alaska for the highly anticipated Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
In the video, Jason and Kelly can be seen introducing their friends, before detailing their food and flight plans.
In a heartbreaking promise to fans, Jason tells their followers: "We'll check in later."
Following news of the heartbreaking tragedy, fans flooded the videos comments section with tributes and messages.
"So hard to watch this now," one person wrote, with a second adding: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Praying for God’s comfort for Autumn and the rest of the family. Comfort them Lord."
A third commented: "So sorry for this devastating loss! Such a wonderful family! Loved meeting them and hearing their beautiful harmony and songs. Praying for comfort and strength and peace for Autumn and family and all of their Southern Gospel families!"
In the wake of this devastating event, Autumn Nelon Streetman - the group's surviving daughter who was not on the flight due to her pregnancy - has released a poignant statement.
She said: “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."
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The aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12/47E registered to Haynie Enterprises, was reported to have caught fire upon impact, further complicating rescue efforts. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The Nelons, widely recognized for their contributions to gospel music, were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Their musical legacy includes notable hits such as 'I Shall Not Be Moved', 'Come Morning', and 'We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown'. They have also been nominated for three Grammy Awards throughout their illustrious career.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
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