Three members of the gospel group The Nelons—Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Kistler—tragically lost their lives in a plane crash that claimed seven victims in total.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Kelly’s other daughter and the fourth member of the Georgia-based family group, Autumn Nelon Streetman.
In a poignant message, Autumn shared, “As many of you have heard, my father and mother, 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 involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday.”
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She expressed her gratitude, writing, “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.”
According to a statement from Gaither Music Group, reported by AP News, the group members were en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when their plane went down. Alongside the Clark family, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and pilot Larry Haynie with his wife Melissa also perished in the crash. There were no survivors.
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The Nelons, who were inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016, were highly celebrated within the gospel music community. They had won ten Dove Awards and received numerous accolades for their songs and albums, including the 2021 GMA Dove Award for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year for “If God Pulled Back The Curtain.”
Just before the ill-fated flight, The Nelons shared a video on Instagram. In it, Jason joyfully announced, “Homecoming Alaskan Cruise, we just landed in Nebraska,” introducing fans to the pilot and crew. The video, now filled with comments of disbelief and sorrow, has become a poignant reminder of their final moments.
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Tributes have since flooded in, with many expressing shock and heartbreak over the tragic loss. “Little did they know none of them would survive this. Our plans are nothing compared to God’s,” one person commented. Another added, “This is like a final farewell,” while a third wrote, “Wow! No words…😢 praying for their families and friends. I am sure this video will be one their families keep close to their hearts.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the crash, which involved a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E, according to CNN. NTSB spokesperson Keith Holloway stated, “The aircraft is in a remote location, and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
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Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. May they rest in peace.
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