Seven members of the cherished gospel family, the Nelons, perished in a horrific plane crash. The victims included Melanie Hodges, a family worker, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa, son-in-law Nathan Kistler, pilot Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, and their daughter Amber. Autumn Nelon Streetman, the sole survivor, sent a touching message expressing her loss and appreciation for the well-wishes and encouragement.
The Nelons’ plane crashed in Wyoming while they were their route to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. Witnesses saw the plane burst into flames as it crashed onto the earth. There were no survivors in spite of emergency response attempts.
In 2016, The Nelons were admitted into the Hall of Fame of the Gospel Music Association. They are well-known for having influenced gospel music with hits like “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown,” “I Shall Not Be Moved,” and “Come Morning.”
“Grief and gratitude for the prayers and support,” was how Autumn put it. The collision will be looked into by the National Transportation Safety Board.
