The last remaining member of the Nelons, Autumn Nelon Streetman, has shared a deeply moving message following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of her family.
The Nelons, a cherished gospel family known across the United States, were tragically killed in a plane crash. The plane was en route to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when it went down over Wyoming. Witnesses reported that the aircraft exploded into flames on impact, and emergency crews rushed to the scene as a wildfire began to spread. Sadly, no one survived.
The crash took the lives of seven people: Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, and Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler. Also among the victims were Melanie Hodges, a close family employee, and Larry Haynie, the pilot, along with his wife, Melissa.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only family member not on the plane, has been left to cope with this unimaginable loss. In a heartfelt statement, she said, “As many of you know by now, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister Amber, brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melanie Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were in a terrible plane crash on Friday.”
Autumn also thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time: “Thank you for the prayers that have already been said for me, my husband Jamie, our soon-to-be-born son, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. Your prayers, love, and support will help us get through the next few days. Thank you.”
Just before the tragic flight, a video showed Jason chatting happily with his family and the pilot on a Nebraska runway, their faces filled with smiles and excitement.
The aircraft, a Pilatus PC-12/47E, was registered to Haynie Enterprises. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the accident.
The Nelons, who were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, were among the most influential families in gospel music.
Their famous songs include “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.” Over the course of their career, they also earned three Grammy nominations, touching many lives with their music.
