NEWS AFFAIRS 7 : WHERE EVERY STORY HAS IT'S AFFAIR!
In a heart-wrenching incident, three members of the renowned American gospel group The Nelons lost their lives in a plane crash in Wyoming. Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, perished alongside four others in the tragic accident as they were en route to a performance.
The Incident:
The fatal crash occurred on Friday when the aircraft, carrying the Nelon family and other passengers, went down over Wyoming. The plane was headed to Seattle, where The Nelons were scheduled to join a cruise ship for a performance. According to reports, the crash took place around 1:00 PM local time, north of the town of Gillette, and resulted in a wildfire in the area.
Victims of the Crash:
In addition to Jason, Kelly, and Amber, the crash also claimed the lives of Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, the family’s assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and his wife Melissa Haynie. The loss of these individuals has sent shockwaves through their families, friends, and the gospel music community.
Autumn Nelon Streetman’s Statement:
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest member of The Nelons, who was not on the flight, confirmed the tragic news on Instagram. She expressed her gratitude for the “prayers, love, and support” extended to her during this difficult time. Autumn shared the devastating news while awaiting her family’s arrival in Seattle, where she was informed about the crash.
Autumn’s Instagram Post:
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Autumn thanked fans for their support and mentioned her immediate family members who are grieving this profound loss. “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,” she wrote.
Investigation into the Crash:
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that an “autopilot issue” may have led to the tragic incident. Further investigations will provide more insights into the exact cause of the crash.
Legacy of The Nelons:
The Nelons, founded by Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, Rex Nelon, in the 1970s, have been a significant presence in the gospel music scene. The group has been nominated for three Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Their hit songs, including “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” have touched the hearts of many.
Kelly Nelon Clark’s Career:
In addition to her contributions to The Nelons, Kelly Nelon Clark was an actress who appeared in the ABC fantasy drama “Resurrection.” Her multifaceted career and the group’s musical legacy have left an indelible mark on the gospel music community.
The tragic plane crash in Wyoming that claimed the lives of three members of The Nelons and four others is a profound loss to their families, friends, and the gospel music world. As investigations continue, the legacy of Jason, Kelly, and Amber Nelon will live on through their music and the lives they touched.