One of America’s most cherished Gospel music families, The Nelons, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday afternoon. The family was en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when the accident occurred. The crash claimed the lives of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber and son-in-law Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the accident.
Daywind Music Group’s Ed Leonard states, “The Daywind Music Group family is devastated by the news of the passing of several members of the Nelons in a plane crash on Friday. We pray that God’s peace and love cover surviving member, Autumn Nelon Streetman, and her husband, Jamie, along with the Clark, Hodges, Kistler, and Haynie families, following the loss of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Nathan Kistler, and their close friends Melodi Hodges, Larry Haynie, and Melissa Haynie, who travelled with them on the flight. In this time of unimaginable grief for these families, we know that our beloved artist and their friends are in the arms of Jesus Christ whom the Nelons spent their entire careers singing about as they spread His Gospel around the world. We stand on His promises today as we grieve the loss our precious Daywind family members.”
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the youngest member of the Nelons and daughter of Kelly Nelon Clark and Jason Clark, and Autumn’s husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the plane and arrived safely in Seattle. They were notified of the accident and brought to the hotel where fellow artists, including Bill and Gloria Gaither, gathered to support them. The community joined together to pray, sing, and offer their heartfelt condolences, pledging unwavering support during this difficult time.
Autumn and Jamie will return home to be with Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, as they begin to navigate the challenging days ahead. The Nelon family, along with the Kistler, Haynie, and Hodges families, need your thoughts and prayers.
A Statement from Autumn Nelon Streetman:
“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 GMA Hall of Fame group was set to release what is said to be their most important body of work on August 30th.
About The Nelons
With a captivating blend of Gospel, a cappella, Americana, folk, and inspirational music, the Nelons are a world-class talented singing family. The ensemble is led by the multi-award winning vocalist, Kelly Nelon Clark, and her husband, Jason Clark, a versatile singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. Their daughters, Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Streetman, complete this gifted musical troupe with their powerful vocals and harmonic blend.
The Nelons, with their innovative sound and inspiring presentation, have delighted audiences all around the world. Jason’s musicianship and his infectious harmonic arrangements, along with Kelly’s breathtaking alto, Amber’s soaring soprano, and Autumn’s haunting folksy vocal tone and mandolin playing blend to create a sound that is enthralling. They have played and sung their brand of music in large arenas, intimate performing arts centers, festivals, fairs, and churches throughout the United States, along with numerous international appearances.
A concert with The Nelons leaves you encouraged by the message of hope shared from their hearts, warmed by the love of family you feel from the stage, and inspired by the beauty, purity, and majesty of each lyric they sing.
