The gospel music community is in mourning following a tragic aviation accident in northeast Wyoming on July 26, 2024. A private Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft crashed in Campbell County, north of Gillette, claiming the lives of all seven people on board. Among the deceased were three beloved members of the Grammy-nominated gospel group, The Nelons: co-founder Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. The group was traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when the fatal incident occurred.
In addition to the family members, the crash took the lives of Nathan Kistler (Amber’s husband), family assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot, Larry Haynie, along with his wife, Melissa Haynie. Autumn Nelon Streetman, the group’s fourth member and Kelly’s daughter, was not on the flight. She has since released a moving statement expressing her deep grief and thanking the Christian music community for their prayers during this unimaginable time.
Preliminary investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicate that the pilot reported autopilot malfunctions and declared an emergency moments before the aircraft went down. Witnesses at the scene described the plane appearing to struggle with mechanical control before crashing into a remote area and catching fire. Federal investigators are continuing to analyze the wreckage to determine the definitive cause of the failure.
As Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees, The Nelons were celebrated for their decades of inspirational music and vocal harmony. Their legacy spans generations, characterized by a commitment to faith and artistic excellence that touched audiences worldwide. Tributes have poured in from fellow artists and fans, honoring a family that dedicated their lives to the Southern Gospel tradition.
