Three Members Of The Southern Gospel Group The Nelons We Tragically Killed In A Plane Crash On Friday, July 26
A fundraiser has been established for Autumn Nelon Streetman, the sole surviving member of the Southern gospel group The Nelons.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their oldest daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler were flying to Seattle on Friday (July 26) to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. They were joined by Amber’s husband, Nathan, their assistant, Melodi Hodges, the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa.
Something went wrong during the flight. The group’s plane crashed at approximately 1:00 PM Mountain Time in a remote part of northeastern Wyoming, claiming the lives of all seven people onboard.
In recent days, a few details have emerged about the crash, but the exact cause remains unconfirmed.
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Gaither Music released a statement about the crash on Facebook, stating that the group’s fourth member, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane. Autumn is Kelly and Jason’s youngest daughter, and Amber’s sister.
Autumn, who is pregnant, and her husband, Jamie, traveled separately to Seattle. They learned about the plane crash when they arrived.
Autumn provided the following statement to Gaither Music, which they shared:
“Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.“
A Fundraiser Has Been Established For Autumn Nelon Streetman, The Nelons’ Sole Surviving Member
Autumn has vowed to continue singing to share God’s goodness and to honor her parents and sister. Despite losing her entire family in such a tragic way, she said:
“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, even in moments where I feel absolutely weak and not sure how to go on, he’s been faithful.”
Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, established a fundraiser to help Autumn cover her family’s funeral costs and other expenses.
“Dear friends, as you know on Friday, July 26, the Nelon family was hit with an unimaginable tragedy,” Todd wrote on Facebook. “Our heart wrenching grief is overwhelming, and we are just struggling to take our next breath. We appreciate all the calls, texts, food, and mostly the prayers. We humbly come to you now to ask for help for our precious Autumn.”
Todd continued:
“We are surrounding her with love, but she’s going to need financial assistance for the many mountainous tasks ahead. She has not only lost her family, but also her livelihood. In addition to the funeral costs, she also will be responsible for running the wedding venue, farm, and two homes. Please prayerfully consider helping. We appreciate and love you all. Please keep praying as we walk in this valley. We know we will be on the mountain top again one day.”
You can donate to the fundraiser for Autumn Nelon Streetman on this website.
Checks can also be mailed to the following address:
Autumn Streetman
5566 Clipper Bay Dr
Powder Springs, Ga 30127
Autumn previously shared that a Celebration of Life service honoring Kelly, Jason, Amber, and Nathan will be held on August 6. The service will also be livestreamed online.
Our prayers are with Autumn and all of the Nelons’ loved ones.