Three members of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet The Nelons were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming, according to a statement from a crew member who was not on the plane.
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 extended to myself, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, and to Jason’s parents, Don and Linda Clark,” Nelon Streetman said. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Nelon Streetman says Nelon Kistler’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melody Hodges and Larry and Melissa Haynie were also killed in the crash.
There were no survivors.
The group was traveling to Alaska to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise Gaither Music GroupSponsor of cruises featuring numerous gospel singers and groups.
Gaither Music said Hodges was an assistant to the band. Larry Haney is the pilot of the plane and Melissa Haney is his wife. The aircraft was identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. local time in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette, according to Campbell County spokeswoman Leslie Perkins.
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said a team of investigators was expected at the site late Saturday.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, inspecting the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will be recovered and transported to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
A preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days, while a final report with a 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 have won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple Song of the Year and Album of the Year awards.
