The Nelons - a beloved name in American gospel music - have been struck by a devastating tragedy.
Three members of the renowned Grammy-nominated family have been involved in a fatal plane crash while en route to a concert. Four other people were killed in the tragedy, The Sun reports.
Among the deceased are three members of the beloved gospel group: Jason Nelon Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler.
Others killed in the crash have been named as Amber's husband - Nathan Kistler - the family’s assistant Melodi Hodges, and pilot Larry Haynie along with his wife Melissa Haynie.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the fourth member of the family, was not on the flight as she is expecting a baby boy.
The tragedy occurred as the band was traveling to Alaska on Friday for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. The plane went down over Wyoming, igniting a massive wildfire upon impact.
Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene as the wreckage caught fire, but no survivors were found, according to the Wyoming sheriff’s office.
Just before boarding the ill-fated plane, a video captured Jason Nelon Clark smiling and interacting with the group at a Nebraska runway.
The footage, captioned "Gaither Alaskan Cruise Travel Vlog," shows the jet — believed to be owned by pilot Larry Haynie — parked in the background as they stopped to refuel around midday.
Jason, Kelly, and Amber are all visible in the clip, as well as Melodi, Larry, and Melissa .
Nathan Kistler was also aboard, though his exact location during the recording is unclear.
Following the refueling stop, the group ventured into Nebraska City for a meal before reboarding the jet.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the surviving member of the Nelons, has issued a statement confirming the tragic news. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying:
"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."
Additionally, 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.
"Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers."
The aircraft involved was reportedly a Pilatus PC-12/47E, registered to Haynie Enterprises, according to Flightaware.com. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct an investigation into the crash.
The Nelons, inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, are renowned for their contributions to gospel music, with notable hits such as 'I Shall Not Be Moved', 'Come Morning', and 'We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown'.
Throughout their career, they have received three Grammy nominations.
Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of everyone killed in this horrific tragedy.
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