3 Members of Family Gospel Band The Nelons Killed in Plane Crash
A plane crash in Wyoming on Friday, July 26, claimed the lives of three members of The Nelons, a popular family gospel group.
Four others who were onboard the plane also died in the crash.
The incident occurred north of Gillette at about 1 p.m. local time. Authorities and emergency responders in Campbell County responded to the crash, which ignited a fire in the area, according to the Campbell County Fire Department.
Gaither Management Group later released a statement identifying the people onboard the plane and explaining that the passengers were traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the crash occurred.
Kelly Nelon Clark and her husband, Jason Clark, were among those onboard, as was one of their daughters, Amber Kistler. The three sang together as part of The Nelons, a Grammy-nominated group, along with Kelly and Jason’s younger daughter, Autumn Nelon. Autumn was not on the plane.
Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, was onboard, as well as Melodi Hodges, their assistant. The pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa, also died in the crash.
Autumn and her husband were traveling separately to Seattle, where they learned of the fatal crash.
“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,” Gaither Management Group said.
Autumn addressed the loss of her family members and friends in a statement shared on Instagram on Saturday, July 27.
“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,” her statement said in part. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, according to Campbell County officials. An NTSB spokesperson told The Associated Press on Saturday that early information suggested an “auto pilot issue” during the flight. Additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the crash were not immediately available.
