The Southern gospel group the Nelons is contending with a crushing loss after three out of four of its members died. The family members pished in a plane crash on Friday, July 26, in Wyoming, according to a statement issued by Gaither Music Management Group.
The Nelons, formerly known as Rex Nelon Singers, was started by founding member Rex Nelon, as a spinoff of the family group The Lefevres. Those who died were Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler. They had been heading to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the crash took place.
Three members of the Nelons have died
“One of the best loved Gospel music families in America, The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska,” reads a statement from Gaither Music. “Killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.”
RELATED: Reba McEntire Pays Tribute To Late Bandmates On 33rd Anniversary Of 1991 Plane Crash
The statement further confirms that “Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the plane and arrived safely into Seattle and were notified of the accident. They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise.”
An additional statement from Autumn thanks fans 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,” and appreciates further support in the trying days to come.
The acclaimed musical journey of the Nelons
As of 2014, gospel group was made up of a trio comprised of Amber Nelon Thompson, as well as Kelly and Jason Clark. That same year, Amber was named Female Vocalist of the Year at the Absolutely Gospel Music Awards. This followed several additional awards and recognitions the group accumulated at various elite ceremonies, including the Grammys, Singing News Awards, Dove Awards, Christian Voice Awards, Diamond Awards, and Absolutely Gospel Awards.
Active since 1977, the band has a history of several different member lineups. Past members include Karen Peck Gooch, Jerry Thompson, Charlotte Ritchie, Janet Paschal, Todd Nelon, Jeff Stice, Amy Roth, Katy Peach, Stan Whitmire, and more.
Some of their most recognizable hits include “Come Morning,” their first number-one hit on the Singing News chart, and “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.”
In 2016, the Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame.
Celine Dion’s Olympics Opening Ceremony Is A Dior Masterpiece That Took Over A Month To Make
Celine Dion Takes Adorable Selfie Video With Fans After Breathtaking Performance