The last surviving member of the Nelons, Autumn Nelon Streetman, has shared a deeply moving statement about the tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of her family.
The Nelons, a beloved gospel family known across the United States, were tragically killed in a plane crash. The accident occurred when their plane went down while flying over Wyoming, heading to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. The crash resulted in a massive fire, and by the time emergency crews arrived, the scene had also sparked a wildfire.
Among the seven lives lost were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, and Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler. Also perishing in the crash were Melanie Hodges, a trusted family employee, and Larry Haynie, the pilot, along with his wife, Melissa.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only member of the Nelons who was not on the plane, has been left to grieve. She shared her heartache in a statement, saying, “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 expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support: “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.”
A poignant video taken just before the flight shows Jason chatting with his family and the pilot on a Nebraska runway, all smiling and excited.
The aircraft involved in the crash was a Pilatus PC-12/47E, registered to Haynie Enterprises. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be investigating the accident.
The Nelons, who were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016, were one of the most influential families in gospel music history.
Their well-loved songs, including “I Shall Not Be Moved,” “Come Morning,” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” have touched countless lives. They were also nominated for three Grammy Awards throughout their storied career.