Three Members of Gospel Group The Nelons Die in Wyoming Plane Crash. Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were among the seven victims of a tragic plane crash while en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska.

Gospel Music Family Mourns Tragic Loss

Three members of The Nelons, a well-known gospel music family from Atlanta, lost their lives in a devastating plane crash on Friday afternoon, according to a statement from Gaither Management Group.

The accident, which claimed four additional lives, occurred near Recluse, Wyoming—a small community in the northeastern part of the state—according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The victims were identified as Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and pilot Larry Haynie along with his wife Melissa.

Flight to Gaither Cruise Ends in Tragedy

The group was traveling to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when the incident took place. While the cause of the crash is still under investigation, the NTSB confirmed that the Pilatus PC-12/47E turboprop aircraft had reported an autopilot malfunction prior to the crash.

Surviving Daughter Speaks Out

Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only member of The Nelons not aboard the flight, issued a heartfelt statement thanking those who had already reached out. “We deeply appreciate the prayers that have been offered for me, my husband Jamie, and our soon-to-arrive baby boy, as well as for Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” she shared. “Your continued prayers, love, and support mean everything as we navigate the difficult days ahead.”

On Friday, just hours before the crash, The Nelons posted a video to Instagram from a stopover in Nebraska. In the clip, Jason Clark could be heard saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way,” as he panned the camera across the group.

NTSB Investigation Underway

The NTSB has begun examining the crash site, confirming that the pilot had reported issues with the aircraft’s autopilot system shortly before impact. Due to the remote location of the wreckage, investigators are just beginning to assess the full scope of the tragedy.