It was a devastating crash.
On Friday, a devastating plane crash in Wyoming resulted in the deaths of three members of The Nelons, a well-loved Gospel music family. The accident occurred while they were traveling to join an Alaskan cruise. Among those who lost their lives were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, and son-in-law Nathan Kistler.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest daughter of Jason and Kelly, was not on the plane. She and her husband, Jamie, were in Seattle when they received the tragic news. During this challenging time, they have been receiving support from Bill and Gloria Gaither and other artists. The couple plans to return home to be with Todd Nelon, Kelly’s brother, and his wife Rhonda.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. north of Gillette in northeast Wyoming and also ignited a wildfire. Firefighting efforts are currently underway, with the Campbell County Fire Department using aircraft and heavy machinery to control the blaze. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
The Nelons, founded in 1977 by Rex Nelon and formerly known as The Rex Nelon Singers, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016. The group, which has won multiple Dove Awards and received a Grammy nomination in 1991, is mourned deeply by fans and public figures. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has expressed condolences and acknowledged the significant contributions of Larry Haynie, the pilot, to public safety in the state.