An unthinkable tragedy rocked the gospel music community Friday afternoon (July 26) when a plane crash carrying three members of the Southern gospel quartet, The Nelons, and four others crashed in rural Wyoming.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, their oldest daughter Amber Kistler and her husband Nathan, their assistant, Melodi Hodges, the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa, were killed in the fatal crash.
According to a statement issued by Gaither Management Group late Friday, the group was on their way to Seattle where they were to board a Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. The group’s fourth member and the youngest daughter of the Clark’s, Autumn Streetman, was not on the plane and learned of her family’s fate upon her arrival in Seattle.
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Over the weekend, tributes and memories poured in from their fellow musicians, fans, and family members. Among the statements posted was one from Autumn who thanked everyone for their prayers and support and shared that she was finding strength in her faith in the midst of the tragedy.
“I don’t have the words to comprehend how I feel right now & I’m not sure when I will, if ever but I do want to take the time to say thank you all for the outpouring love you have sent my family,” Autumn wrote. “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.“
She concluded her statement with a promise to keep singing about God’s goodness “as long as he [sic] keeps giving me breath in my lungs.”
A fundraising account has been set up to help Autumn Streetman with final expenses.
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Kelly Nelon Clark’s brother, Todd, took to Facebook Sunday to offer an emotional thanks for the outpouring of love and support offered to the family. He also shared that a huge financial weight has been placed on Autumn following the death of her family. Not only has she lost her income, but the responsibility of taking care of final expenses and care of the family farm has fallen on her shoulders.
“We humbly come to you now to ask for help for our precious Autumn. 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,” Todd Nelon wrote.
If you would like to help Autumn Nelon Streetman during this challenging time, donations can be made HERE. Or checks can be mailed to:
Autumn Streetman
5566 Clipper Bay Drive
Powder Springs, GA 30127