3 members of The Nelons Atlanta gospel group killed in Wyoming plane crash
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 17: The Nelons arrives at the 48th Annual GMA Dove Awards red carpet at Allen Arena on October 17, 2017 in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Jay Medeiros/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA - Three members of Atlanta-based Gospel group, The Nelons, and a Georgia Department of Corrections official were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming Friday afternoon.
Gaither Management Group posted a statement on Autumn Nelon Streetman's Instagram account saying that her mother, Kelly Nelon Clark; father, Jason Clark; and older sister, Amber Kistler, were killed in the crash.
Additionally, the statement said her sister's husband, Nathan Kistler; and their assistant, Melodi Hodges; along with the pilot, Larry Haynie; and his wife, Melissa, were also killed.
The statement confirmed that Autumn Nelon Streetman, the fourth member of the family quartet, and her husband, Jaimie Streetman, landed safely in Seattle, where they were informed of the crash.
Gov. Brian Kemp posted a statement on X, confirming Larry Haynie was the chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board.
"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 said in his statement.
A video posted to the The Nelons' Instagram page showed the group celebrating their trip just hours before the crash.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident. In a statement to FOX 5, the agency confirmed the Pilatus PC-12/47e plane crashed in a remote location around 1:04 p.m. on Friday. A spokesperson said investigators hope to gain access to the crash site today, where they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The plane will be taken to a secure facility for further evaluation. A preliminary report on the crash is expected in 30 days.
In a Facebook post, the government of Campbell County, Wyoming, confirmed the private plane crashed north of the city of Gillette, just south of the Montana border, causing a wildland fire that the Campbell County Fire Department tried to extinguish.
"Suppression efforts include aircraft, heavy equipment and engine crews," the post read.
Those on board the plane were en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, according to Gaither Management Group (GMG). GMG sponsors the cruise that features numerous gospel singers and groups.
A statement attributed to Autumn Nelon Streetman on her Instagram page read, "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."
Active for decades, The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Hall of Fame in 2016. They were also once nominated for a Grammy for Best Southern Gospel Album for Let The Redeemed Say So in 1991. According to their website, their style offered a blend of gospel, a cappella, hymns, Americana, folk, and inspirational music.
Friends of the Nelons speak on tragic plane crash
On Saturday, friends gathered at Lime Biscuit Creative in Carrollton where members of the Nelon family shared an office space.
"This is Mel’s office, she was just here on Friday before they left," said Mark Sullivan as he led FOX 5 Atlanta through Melody Hodge's office. "Pretty devastating, honestly. Talking to her Friday about being so excited about heading out to Alaska on this cruise, and then, uh, just kind of walking in here now is surreal."
Nathan and Amber Kistler worked on the upper level of the building.
"Him and Amber would come in here and do their podcast recording, editing videos," Sullivan explained. "Oddly enough, today the Nelons’ new music video dropped, and their single called ‘Hole in the Heart of America.'"
Sullivan and Roger Roseberry worked closely with Nathan and Amber offstage at a Washington, D.C.-based ministry.
"But to me, they weren't … they weren't the performers, just friends," Sullivan said, tearing up. "They were our best friends."
Sullivan said he had actually flown with Larry and Melissa Haynie on their plane just two weeks ago when they filmed the music video. That very plane is the one that crashed on Friday.
Sullivan said Larry was an extremely conscientious pilot.
"Larry was everything you would want in a pilot. He was OCD. I mean, that dude was … his check off were done exactly the way they're supposed to be," he said.
Though part of The Nelons, and some of their associates are gone, their legacy of faith will live on. According to Sullivan, all seven of the people who died in the crash attended church together in Carroll County.
"Everything that they did in some way, shape or form was going to be spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ," Sullivan said. "And I think that's the most important thing."
Villa Rica Police Department gives statement
When the Villa Rica Police Department heard about the tragic plane crash, they released the following statement, honoring Larry and Lisa Haynie:
"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of our friends, Larry and Lisa Haynie. Larry and Lisa supported us at every turn, were generous to our department beyond measure, and constantly gave to the VR community without ever asking for anything in return. They were true servants. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends!"