Three members of the family gospel group The Nelons were killed in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday afternoon, along with four others, including the pilot.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were headed to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the crash occurred near Recluse, Wyoming. Their other daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the plane.
The crash also claimed the lives of Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the incident, indicating that a Pilatus PC-12/47E, a single-engine turboprop, impacted terrain following a reported autopilot issue during flight. A team is being sent to the crash site to examine the aircraft.
Larry Haynie was the chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his condolences, acknowledging Haynie’s career in public service.
The Nelons were traveling to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, a gospel music event. The group, inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016, has recorded over 35 albums and received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination and several GMA Dove Awards.
A preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days, with a final report potentially taking up to two years.
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