Seven individuals were killed in a plane accident in Wyoming, including three members of The Nelons, a Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet, according to a statement from a group member who was not on the aircraft.
The accident on Friday afternoon resulted in the deaths of Kelly Nelon Clark, the co-founder of the Nelons, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler, according to a statement from her daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman.
“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,” said Nelon Streetman. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Nathan Kistler, Nelon Kistler’s spouse, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie were also killed in the crash, according to Nelon Streetman.
According to a statement from Gaither Music Group, the event sponsor, the group was en route to Alaska to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, which showcases a variety of gospel singers and ensembles.
Gaither Music stated that Hodges served as the band’s assistant. Larry Haynie had been the aircraft’s pilot, and Melissa Haynie was his wife. Pilatus PC-12/47E, a single-engine turboprop, was identified as the aircraft.
The crash took place around 1 p.m. local time in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Campbell County spokesperson Leslie Perkins.
Keith Holloway, spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, announced on Saturday that a team of investigators is anticipated to arrive at the site at a later time.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they gain access, they will begin documenting the scene, examining the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
The initial report on the crash is anticipated in about 30 days while a final report with the probable cause of the crash could take up to two years to complete, Holloway said.
Autumn Nelon Streetman released her statement, which stated:
” As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber, and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday. 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. “
The Nelons won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including numerous Song of the Year and Album of the Year honors. They were also inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
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Source
CBS News
