Three members of the Nelons, a Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet, were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming, according to a statement from a group member who was not aboard the plane.
The Nelons’ co-founder Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, died in the crash Friday afternoon, according to a statement from daughter Autumn Nelon Streetman.
“Thank you for the prayers already said for me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be baby, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” Nelon Streetman said. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
According to Nelon Streetman, Nelon Kistler’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie also died in the crash.
There were no survivors.
The group was traveling to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, according to a statement from Gaither Music Group, the cruise’s sponsor that features numerous gospel singers and groups.
Gaither Music said Hodges was an assistant to the band. Larry Haynie was the pilot of the plane and Melissa Haynie was his wife. The aircraft was identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.
The crash occurred around 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.
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said Saturday that a team of investigators is expected at the site later Saturday.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
A preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days, while a final report on the probable cause of the crash could take up to two years, Holloway said.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and were winners of 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple Song of the Year and Album of the Year awards.
