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In a tragedy that shook the gospel music world, three-quarters of the Nelons quartet were killed in a plane crash, killing seven people in total.
Autumn Neron, the band’s sole surviving member, posted photos of her late bandmates and their families. Instagram“As many of you already know, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, my sister Amber and brother-in-law Nathan, and our close friends Melody Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haney were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” he wrote.
“I want to thank you for the prayers that have already been offered to me, my husband, Jamie, our soon-to-be son, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” she continued. “Thank you all for your continued prayers, love and support as we get through the days ahead.”
In the same post, the band’s management team wrote, “The Nelon family, one of America’s most beloved gospel music families, was tragically killed in a plane crash Friday afternoon while en route to Alaska for the Geyser Homecoming Cruise. Those killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler, assistant Melody Hodges, and pilot Larry Haney and his wife Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.”
“Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter, Autumn, and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the flight and arrived safely in Seattle where they were notified of the accident,” the statement continued. “They were transported to a hotel where artists gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing, hold them in their grief and vow to support them no matter what.”
The statement concluded: “Autumn and Jamie have now rejoined Kelly’s brother, Todd Neron, and his wife, Rhonda, as they navigate the difficult task ahead. Please keep them, and the Kistler, Haney and Melody Hodges families, in your prayers.”
The band was reportedly on its way to an Alaskan cruise. Last Vlog It was shared on the ground in Nebraska, and unconfirmed reports indicate their Pilatus PC-12 broke apart at 26,000 feet over Wyoming.
The plane crashed near Campbell County, Wyoming, at 1 p.m. The New York Times Reports said a 38-acre forest fire had broken out.
Formerly known as the Rex Nelon Singers, the Atlanta-based band was formed in 1977 by the family patriarch as an offshoot of the band The LeFevres. They are known for Christian songs “Come Morning” and “We Shall Wear a Robe and a Crown.”
The group has had many lineup changes over the years, but by 2014 it was a trio consisting of Kelly, Jason and Amber, who won Female Vocalist of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards ten years ago, and the trio had been together for over 20 years before their tragic deaths.
More recently, the trio has expanded to a quartet with the addition of Autumn.
The Nelons have released over 50 studio albums and compilation albums over the past 47 years.
Gospel legend Sandi Patti was one of thousands of well-wishers who reached out to the surviving members of the band and their families. write“Sending love to you.”
