The Nelons were on their way to the Gaither Homecoming Alaska Cruise when their plane crashed, killing three of the family members.
A devastating plane crash has claimed the lives of three members of the popular gospel group The Nelons.
On Friday, Jason Clark and his wife, Kelly Nelon Clark, were traveling to their annual Gaither Homecoming Alaska Cruise with their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, when their plane crashed near Recluse, Wyoming. Amber's husband, Nathan Kistler, and three other family friends -- including the plane's pilot, Larry Haynie -- were also killed in the incident.
Not on board was Kelly and Jason's other daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who is a member of the music group. She released a statement over the weekend in which she acknowledged the tragedy and thanked fans for their condolences.
"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," Autumn wrote.
According to a statement from Gaither Management Group released on Saturday, Autumn and her husband, Jamie Streetman, arrived to Seattle, Washington, where their cruise was set to sail from and were informed of the tragic incident.
The cause of the plane crash is currently under investigation. The family was flying on a single engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E and the plane was in "a remote location" when it crashed, the National Transportation Safety Board told AP.
Additionally, the crash -- which occurred around 1 p.m. -- caused a fire in the area that required firefighters with the Campbell County Fire Department to report to the scene. It was contained to less than one square mile, officials stated.
The plane's pilot, Haynie -- who served as chairman of the Georgia Board of Corrections -- was honored over the weekend for "a career of valued public service" in a statement from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.
"Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for those who have been lost, for their loved ones and communities, and for those throughout the gospel music community who have lost dear friends in this heartbreaking accident," Kemp shared.
The group last posted to Instagram mere hours before the crash, sharing a video from the tarmac during a pitstop in Nebraska and sharing their excitement at getting to gather with their fans and followers on the cruise.
"Gaither Homecoming Alaskan cruise. We are on our way" Jason said.
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