Three members of The Nelons, a gospel music family group from Atlanta, were killed in a plane crash near Recluse, Wyoming. Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were among the seven victims. The group was en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when their Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft experienced an autopilot malfunction, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only surviving member of the family group, expressed gratitude for the support: “We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.” A final Instagram post showed the family making a stop in Nebraska, with Jason Clark saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way.”
The NTSB is investigating the crash, with debris found scattered over a wide area. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp mourned the loss of pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, calling them “devoted” to their family and community.
The Nelons, formed in 1977, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Gospel Music Association President Jackie Patillo stated, “They will be forever cherished and remembered.”