A July 26 plane crash in northeast Wyoming claimed the lives of all seven people onboard, including three members of the award-winning gospel quartet The Nelons. The Atlanta-based musicians were on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska.
The three members of the group who died were Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. Also killed were Nathan Kistler (Amber’s husband), assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie, and Haynie’s wife, Melissa.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, which occurred in a remote location. The crash sparked a wildfire that crews had to suppress.
Shortly before the crash, Jason Clark shared video of the group in Nebraska, saying, “Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way.” The last social media posts from The Nelons promote their new single “There’s a Hole in the Heart.”
Surviving Member of The Nelons: ‘God Is Still Good’
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the fourth group member, wasn’t on the plane that crashed. On social media, she expressed sorrow at losing her parents (Jason and Kelly), sister Amber, brother-in-law Nathan, and the other “dear friends” who died.
Nelon Streetman and her husband, Jamie Streetman, had already arrived in Seattle to leave for the cruise. After learning of the crash, they received prayer support from Bill and Gloria Gaither and other musicians.
“Thank you all for the outpouring [of] love you have sent my family,” wrote Nelon Streetman, who said she and her husband are awaiting “our soon-to-be-born baby boy.”
“I’m not sure what lies ahead, I don’t know how to even sing without my family standing by my side but if there’s one thing that I am sure of, is that God is still good,” she added, “even in moments where I feel absolutely weak and not sure how to go on, he’s been faithful and as long as he keeps giving me breath in my lungs I will continue to sing of his goodness.”
The Nelons: ‘A Family of Pure Joy’
The Nelons, who recorded more than 35 albums, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016. Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association, said the group “will be forever cherished and remembered.”
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Originally known as The Rex Nelon Singers, the group was founded in 1977 by Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, Rex Nelon. Nominated for 35 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, the group won 10. In 1991, they were nominated for a Grammy for Best Southern Gospel Album.
