The Nelons, one of America’s most famous gospel families, were involved in a fatal plane crash on the afternoon of Friday, July 26, while they were on their way to a concert. According to the US Sun, seven people died in the accident, including four family members.
Jason and Kelly Nealon Clark, their daughter Amber and their son-in-law Nathan Kistler did not survive the crash, which saw the compact plane burst into flames after hitting the ground, the publication reports. Family helper Melody Hodges and pilot Larry Heaney and his wife Melissa also died.
They were all headed to Alaska when their plane crashed near Wyoming.
The only surviving member of the family – Autumn Nelan Streetman – confirmed the sad news in a statement
“As many of you may have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, my sister Amber and brother-in-law Nathan as well as our dear friends Melody Hodges, Larry and Melissa Heaney were involved in a tragic plane accident on Friday,” Autumn, who survived as she was not on board the plane, said in a media statement on Friday. She thanked people for praying for her and her husband and soon-to-be-born baby as well as Jason’s parents during their difficult time.
“We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support in the days ahead,” Autumn said in the press notes.
Who was Nelson – Exploring his legacy amid demise of 3 of the 4 member group
The Nellans were a family band consisting of Jason and Kelly Nellan Clark as well as their two daughters, Amber and Autumn. As mentioned earlier, only the latter remains.
Speaking to nwfdailynews in 2018, the head of the family, Jason, revealed that his gospel band was in its 42nd year of music, and his daughters were the third generation to join the family legacy. Nelson was formed in 1977 by his wife and her father, Rex Nelson, a Hall of Fame bass singer.
The group was inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 2017 and earned three Grammy nominations during their career. We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown, Come Morning, and I Shall Not Be Moved are some of their biggest hits.
Nelans released a new single titled ‘There’s a Hole in the Heart’ from his upcoming album Loving You just hours before his tragic and untimely death.
