The music community is mourning the devastating loss of three members of the beloved Southern gospel quartet, The Nelons, and four others.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, their oldest daughter Amber Kistler, and Amber’s husband, Nathan, were four of seven individuals aboard a private plane that crashed in rural Wyoming Friday, July 26. The family and their youngest daughter, Autumn, make up the Grammy-nominated gospel group, The Nelons. Autumn and her husband had made alternative travel arrangements and were not aboard the plane.
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The group was en route to Seattle where they were to board a Gaither Homecoming cruise as part of the entertainment. Reports indicate that the group, as well as their assistant, Melodi Hodges, the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa, had left Nebraska around noon Friday on their way to Billings, Montana where they planned to have lunch before continuing on to Seattle.
The Gaither Homecoming Cruise site indicates that the cruise was to leave Seattle Saturday, July 27, and spend a week at sea exploring the shores of Alaska.
But, the Pilatus PC-12/47E they were traveling on didn’t arrive in Billings, instead crashing roughly one hour after takeoff 8 miles south of the Montana border, just north of Gillette, Wyoming.
Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins said that the crash caused a “wildland fire” and was quickly extinguished by the Campbell County Fire Department. Campbell County Undersheriff, Quentin Reynolds, told the Gillette News Record that the plane sent a distress signal before the crash.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft,” NTSB spokesman Keith Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
The NTSB revealed that preliminary information indicates that the crash was caused by “autopilot issues during flight.”
Flight Radar data shows the aircraft “spiraling down” at over 10,000 feet per minute.
A video shared to social media by The Nelons before they boarded the fatal flight shows Jason introducing their pilot and his wife as the plane is seen behind them. Kelly, Amber, and Melodi are also seen as they discuss their intended flight route.
US gospel group The Nelons share a vlog of themselves moments before their Pilatus PC-12 breaks up at 26,000 feet over Wyoming, killing all 7 people on board. pic.twitter.com/Vueu67htTa
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) July 27, 2024
Upon completion of an onsite investigation, a preliminary report on the crash could be released in as little as 30 days. A full report could take up to two years to complete.
Members of the Southern gospel community and family members of the deceased reacted to the devastating news on social media.
Dave Kistler, the father of Nathan Kistler, shared an emotional post saying, “Moments ago, we received the official word that no parent or family ever wants to hear!”
He confirmed the death of his son and six others aboard the charter plane, saying, they “all perished instantly.”
Kistler added, “Words cannot express our sense of loss! But, this we know, that Nathan and Amber, and all on board deeply knew, passionately loved, and faithfully served our Mutual Savior!”
He remembered his son as faithful and loyal and a man with a deep love for the Lord.
“Most of all, Nathan LOVED his Lord, people, and the ministry we shared together in DC, across the nation, and around the world. Never to busy to help, Nathan gave completely of himself and his many talents in serving tirelessly.”
Saturday morning, he followed up by saying, “Let me just say thank you, and I love each and every one of you for all the calls and messages, and please forgive me if I don’t respond or answer because I just can’t. We will get through it but not today. I am totally shattered and heartbroken is an understatement. I will say more but not today. Just pray for all of us.”
Learn more about The Nelons and their rich Southern gospel history HERE.