Gospel Music Community Devastated by Tragic Loss of GMA Members, The Nelons'

The gospel music world is in mourning following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of three members of the renowned southern gospel group, The Nelons, along with several others. The crash occurred on Friday as the group was en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. Among those lost were husband and wife Jason Clark and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber Kistler, and her husband Nathan Kistler. Also killed in the crash were their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The news was confirmed by Gaither Music in a heart-wrenching statement, which has left fans and fellow musicians in shock.

The Georgia-based Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won three GMA Dove Awards, including multiple song of the year and album of the year awards; and received multiple Grammy nominations. The group's youngest daughter, Autumn, was not on the plane and learned of the tragic news upon arriving in Seattle with her husband, Jamie Streetman. Autumn, who is also a member of The Nelons, has expressed profound grief and requested prayers for her family and the families of those who perished.

“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.”

The aircraft was identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.

The crash occurred about 1 p.m. in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins. The crash ignited a wildfire in the area.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the crash may have been caused by an autopilot malfunction.

Remembering The Nelons and Their Legacy

The Nelons have left an indelible mark on the gospel music scene, with roots dating back to the late 1970s when Kelly’s father, Rex Nelon, formed The Rex Nelon Singers. The group evolved over the years, blending gospel, a cappella, hymns, Americana, folk, and inspirational music, becoming a beloved fixture in the genre. The loss of Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and Amber Kistler is a significant blow to the gospel community, as they were not only talented musicians but also cherished friends and mentors to many.

In the wake of this tragedy, the outpouring of support from fans, fellow artists, and the wider gospel music community has been overwhelming. Autumn Nelon Streetman and her husband, Jamie, will be returning home to be with family and begin the arduous journey of healing. As the community grapples with this loss, the music and memories of The Nelons will continue to inspire and comfort those who have been touched by their ministry. The family's resilience and faith serve as a testament to their enduring legacy, and they will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved them. Services for Nelon and Kistler families set for tomorrow, August 6th. May their souls rest in peace.