Three members of The Nelons, a Gospel Music Hall of Fame-inducted singing group, were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming, according to a statement from a member of the group who was not on the plane.
Nealon’s co-founder, Kelly Nealon Clark, her husband Jason Clark and their daughter Amber Nealon Kistler, died in the crash Friday afternoon, according to a statement from their daughter, Autumn Nealon Streetman.
“Thank you for your prayers for me, my husband Jamie and our soon-to-be-born baby, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” said Nealon Streetman. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we face the days ahead.”
Also among the dead were Nealon Kistler’s husband, Nathan Kistler, family friend Melody Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie, Nealon Streetman said.
There were no survivors.
The group was traveling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, according to a statement from Gather Music Groupthe sponsor of the cruise that featured several gospel singers and groups.
Gaither Music said Hodges was the band’s assistant. Larry Haynie was the pilot, and Melissa Haynie was his wife. The plane was identified as a single-engine Pilatus PC-12/47E turboprop.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. local time in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Campbell County spokeswoman Leslie Perkins.
National Transportation Safety Board spokesman Keith Holloway said Saturday that a team of investigators was expected to arrive at the site later in the day.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they arrive they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered and transported to a secure facility for further evaluation,” Holloway said.
Holloway said a preliminary report on the accident is expected in about 30 days, while a final report including the probable cause of the accident could take up to two years to complete.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple Song of the Year and Album of the Year awards.
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