THE Nelons – America’s beloved gospel family – have been involved in a fatal jet crash en route to a concert.
Seven people died in the horror accident including three members of the Grammy-nominated family in Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler.
Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, the families assistant Melodi Hodges and pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa also died.
The Nelons’ fourth member, Autumn Nelon Streetman, wasn’t on the aircraft at the time as she is pregnant with a baby boy on the way.
Members of the band were heading to Alaska on Friday to join in with the Gaither Homecoming Cruise when their jet crashed over Wyoming – sparking a huge wildfire when it collided with the ground.
The jet reportedly went up in flames when it crashed leaving fire crews and emergency responders rushing to the scene as a huge fire broke out.
There were no survivors, say the Wyoming sheriff’s office.
A video taken just before they boarded the doomed aircraft shows a smiling Jason talking to the group on a runway in Nebraska.
The jet, believed to be owned by pilot Larry, can be seen in the background of the harrowing clip as they stopped over to refuel at around midday.
Jason, Kelly Nelon Clark and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler can be seen smiling in the post captioned “Gaither Alaskan Cruise Travel Vlog”.
Melodi, Larry and Melissa can also be seen in the happy footage.
Nathan was also on board the flight when it crashed but it is unclear where he was at the time of the recording.
The group then headed out into Nebraska City for some food before returning to get on the jet.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the final remaining member of the award-winning group released a statement confirming the tragic deaths.
She said: “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 jet was a Pilatus PC-12/47E owned by Haynie Enterprises, according to Flightaware.com.
The National Transportation Safety Board is now set to investigate the crash.
Widely regarded as one of the iconic families in US gospel history The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Some of their biggest hits include I Shall Not Be Moved, Come Morning and We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.
They have also earned three Grammy nominations throughout their career.
News
Who is Angela Aguilar and how long has she been dating Mexican singer Christian Nodal?
Plus who her boyfriend was previously dating ANGELA Aguilar began performing at the age of nine and has never looked…
The Eagles announce Las Vegas residency at Sphere for eight shows as dates and ticket prices are revealed
And when tickets will be available for purchase THE Eagles have officially announced their Las Vegas residency at the Sphere…
Iconic rock band reunites for first time in 17 years after saying it would ‘take a comet’ to get them back on stage
Find out if the members are on good terms today ICONIC rock band REM has reunited and performed for the…
Stevie Nicks cancels concert last-minute due to ‘illness’ as fans rage ‘it’s so unfair’ and demand refunds
Some fans even waited in line for hours before hearing the last-minute news STEVIE Nicks had to cancel her show…
Justin Timberlake breaks silence & tells Chicago crowd it’s ‘been a tough week’ at first concert back post-DWI arrest
The N’Sync frontman was arrested in New York after a night out at a swanky Hamptons hotel bar JUSTIN Timberlake…
Willie Nelson, 91, to miss part of Outlaw Music Festival due to ‘doctor’s orders’ as concerned fans beg ‘get better!’
Fans sent well-wishes to the elderly musician WILLIE Nelson has left fans concerned for his wellbeing after announcing that he’s…
End of content
No more pages to load