3 members of Atlanta family gospel group among 7 killed in ...

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Three members of a well-known, Atlanta-based family gospel group died in a Wyoming plane crash on Friday.

Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler of “The Nelons” were among the seven dead in the crash. Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, the couple’s assistant, Melodi Hodges, and the pilot and his wife, Larry and Melissa Haynie, also died, according to a statement from The Nelons’ management company, Gaither Management Group.

Larry Haynie was the chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board, Gov. Brian Kemp said.

“Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for those who have been lost, for their loved ones and communities, and for those throughout the gospel music community who have lost dear friends in this heartbreaking accident,” he wrote in a statement on X.

The group was on their way to the seven-day Gaither Homecoming Alaskan Cruise, a travel event put on by the management company featuring performances from The Nelons and several other artists.

Autumn Nelon Streetman, Kelly and Jason’s other daughter and The Nelons’ fourth member, was not on the plane. She and her husband were told about the crash when they landed in Seattle.

“We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days,” Autumn wrote in a statement.

According to a news release from Campbell County, where the plane is reported to have crashed, a private plane went down north of Gillette at around 1 p.m. The crash caused a wildfire that the local fire department was called to put out.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident. Spokesperson Keith Holloway told the Associated Press that based on what they know so far, investigators believe the plane crashed after an “auto pilot issue during flight.”

“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft,” he said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”

A preliminary report on the crash will likely be released within 30 days, while the final report on the crash’s probable cause could take up to two years to complete, according to Holloway.

The Nelons’ last Instagram post shows the group standing by the plane on the tarmac, just having landed in Nebraska. Their next stop was supposed to be Montana.

“We’ll check in with you later,” Jason said at the end of the vlog-style video.

Recording under the name “The Nelons” since the ‘80s, the Grammy Award-nominated gospel group has released dozens of albums. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

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