image source, Good pictures
- author, Lucy Clark-Billings
- stock, BBC News
A husband, wife and their daughter who co-starred in the American gospel group The Nelsons have been killed in a plane crash along with four others.
Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark died Friday when they landed in Wyoming on their way to a show with Amber Nelon Kistler.
Autumn Nelon Streetman — who is participating in the Grammy-nominated group but is not on board — confirmed the deaths of her parents and sister on Instagram.
He thanked fans for their “prayers, love and support” in the hours after the accident.
Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, the family’s assistant Melody Hodges, pilot Larry Haney and his wife Melissa Haney were also killed, according to the group’s management.
Gaither management said the passengers were heading to Seattle to join the Nelons cruise ship.
Officials in the area where the plane went down said it happened around 13:00 local time north of Gillette. Local media reported that it caused a forest fire.
A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said initial reports indicated the plane crashed due to an “autopilot problem.”
The band’s management was informed that Autumn – the youngest member of the family act – was awaiting the arrival of her parents and sister in Seattle.
In a post on Instagram, Autumn said: “Thank you for the prayers already extended to myself, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. .”
Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, Rex Nelon, founded the group in the 1970s.
They have been nominated for three Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame in 2016.
The group’s biggest hits include I Shall Not Be Moved, Come Morning and We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.
Kelly is an actress and has appeared on the ABC fantasy drama Renaissance.
