On Friday, July 26, 2024, The Nelons, a renowned gospel music group, embarked on what should have been an exciting trip to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. Tragically, their journey ended in disaster, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory occasion.
Founded by Rex Nelon in 1977, The Nelons have been a significant force in gospel music for decades. The group includes Rex’s daughter, Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler. Over the years, The Nelons have earned considerable acclaim, including Grammy nominations and induction into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Their blend of traditional and contemporary gospel, along with their powerful harmonies, has touched the lives of many fans and solidified their place in the gospel music industry.
However, the trip took a tragic turn when the plane carrying The Nelons crashed. The Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft, which had stopped in Nebraska for refueling, crashed in a remote area north of Gillette, Wyoming, around 1:04 p.m. MDT. The crash claimed the lives of all seven people on board, including Jason Clark, Kelly Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, the group’s assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa. The impact also sparked a wildfire, complicating the rescue and recovery efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated a thorough investigation into the crash. Determining the exact cause of such an accident is a complex process that could take up to two years. Initial reports suggest that an issue with the plane’s autopilot system might have contributed to the crash, but the NTSB will be looking into various factors to uncover the full story. This includes examining the weather conditions at the time of the crash, the plane’s maintenance history, the pilot’s qualifications and records, potential mechanical failures, and communications with air traffic control. The investigation aims to piece together all the elements that led to the tragedy and provide a comprehensive understanding of what went wrong.
The loss of The Nelons is deeply felt in the gospel music community and beyond. Their contributions to music and their personal connections with fans have left a lasting legacy, and their sudden departure is a profound sorrow for all who knew and admired them.
