In a plane accident in Wyoming, three members of The Nelons – one of the most popular gospel vocal groups – died. The award-winning family was on its way to perform at the Gaither Homecoming Alaska Cruise that was to depart from Seattle.
Kelly Nelon Clark and her daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were killed in the crash, along with Jason Clark (her husband) and Kelly Nelon Clark.
Authorities did not immediately give a cause for the crash. According to the Associated Press, a single-engine turboprop Pilatus with seven passengers on board crashed at around 1 p.m., Friday, in Campbell County, Wyoming. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board stated on Saturday that the aircraft had been “located in a remote area” and investigators hadn’t yet arrived at the scene where firefighters were involved in containing the multi-acre fire near the crash site.
Autumn Nelon Streetman was also the daughter of Kelly Streetman and Nelon Streetman. She was not on board the plane. In a statement, the surviving member thanked everyone for their prayers, including her husband Jamie and our soon to be born baby boy. She also thanked Jason’s parents Dan and Linda Clark. As we navigate through the next days, we appreciate your prayers, love and continued support.
The four members of the group are shown in the above photo, taken at 2021 GMA Dove Awards. From left to right, they are: Kelly Nelon Clark Amber Nelon Thompson Autumn Nelon Clark Jason Clark.
The list of victims included Amber Nelon Kistler’s husband Nathan Kistler, a family member and her assistant Melodi, as well as the plane’s pilot Larry Haynie, Georgia Department of Corrections Board Chairman, and Melissa Haynie, his wife.
The group members posted a video on their Instagram account for their fans Friday, from what appeared to be their final stop in Nebraska City, Nebraska. They were chatting cheerfully with the camera and said they were about grab a quick meal before taking off for Montana.
Gaither Family Management released a statement that read: “Autumn Streetman and Jamie Streetman, the youngest daughter of Jason and Kelly, arrived safely in Seattle after not being on the flight. They were informed about the accident.” Bill and Gloria Gaither gathered artists to pray with them, sing, and comfort them during their grief. Autumn and Jamie are now returning home to Todd Nelon’s wife Rhonda and Kelly’s brother Todd Nelon to start the difficult tasks ahead. “Please keep them in your prayers, as well as the Kistler, Haynie, and Melodi’s family.”
In 2016, the Nelons plane crash was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. According to their website, 20 of the top 5 Southern gospel songs have been recorded. The group members were individually and collectively nominated by the Grammys for their work, but the Dove Awards have brought them the most recognition. They’ve won 10 Doves as well as 35 nominations in the Gospel Music Association. Their most recent award from the GMAs was for Country/Bluegrass/Roots Recorded Song of the Year in 2021 for “If God Pulled Back The Curtain.”
According to their website, they have a “captivating blend of gospel music, Acappella, hymns, and Americana” and the group was founded in the 1970s when Kelly’s late father, Rex Nelon assumed the leadership of the LeFevres. The name then changed to the Rex Nelon singers in 1977, before becoming the Nelons in 1985.
Kelly began singing in the group in 1972. She later joined the group full-time and assumed management of the ensemble when her father retired. Jason joined the group in 1994 and Amber started singing with their ensemble in 2002. The Nelons have recorded over the years for labels such as Canaan, RNS, Homeland (a subsidiary of Word), Daywind, Seraphim, and Seraphim.
The songs that became popular in concerts, on the radio or on gospel music playlists were “O for a Thousand Tongues,” The Sun’s Coming Up,” Come Morning,” I’ll Talk to the Father,” I’m Glad I know who Jesus is,” “That’s enough” and “We Shall wear a robe and crown.”
Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA), said: “The GMA as well as our entire music community are grieving the tragic losses of Jason and Kelly as well as Amber and the other victims in the plane crash.” “Our prayers and deepest condolences are with Autumn Nelon and the family. The GMA Hall of Fame will cherish and remember them forever.
In a statement on social media, the Georgia Governor said, “Our family asks everyone to pray for those who were lost, their loved ones, and communities. And for those in the gospel music world who lost dear friends in this tragic accident.”
Gaither Homecoming Cruise was scheduled to leave Saturday and return on August 3. Bill & Gloria Gaither, the Gaither Vocal Band, and Mark Lowry are all part of the headliner lineup for the seven-day Gaither Homecoming Cruise, subtitled “Until We Meet Again.” The cruise was scheduled to depart Saturday and return Aug. 3.
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