Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only surviving member of the renowned gospel group The Nelons, is grappling with profound grief following a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of her parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, and her sister, Amber Nelon Kistler. The devastating incident occurred on July 26, 2024, as the family was en route to the Alaskan Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Autumn expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support from fans and friends. She acknowledged the difficult days ahead for herself, her husband Jamie, and their soon-to-be-born baby boy. Autumn also extended her appreciation to her parents’ family, Dan and Linda Clark, for their support during this harrowing time.
The crash not only took the lives of Autumn’s immediate family but also claimed the lives of her brother-in-law, Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot, Larry Haynie, along with his wife, Melissa. The Nelons were traveling in a single-engine Pilatus PC-12 aircraft when the tragedy struck, hitting the ground north of Gillette, Wyoming. The family had been documenting their journey on social media, sharing moments from their travels, including a video posted shortly after landing in Nebraska.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, preliminary reports from the National Transportation Safety Board suggest that an “autopilot issue during flight” may have contributed to the accident. The Nelons were well-known in the gospel music community, celebrated for their harmonious blend of gospel, acapella, and inspirational music. They had recently released a single titled “There’s a Hole In The Heart,” just days before the crash.
In the wake of this tragedy, the gospel music community has rallied around Autumn, offering condolences and support. The Nelons were a beloved family in the industry, known for their contributions to Southern Gospel music. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016 and had received numerous accolades throughout their career, including 35 GMA Dove Award nominations.
Autumn and her husband were not on the plane at the time of the crash, having traveled separately to the cruise. Upon their arrival in Seattle, they were informed of the tragic news. The couple was taken to a hotel where fellow artists, including Bill and Gloria Gaither, gathered to offer prayers and support during this unimaginable time.
As Autumn navigates the difficult path ahead, she is surrounded by love and support from her extended family and the gospel music community. The Nelons had a busy performance schedule, with shows lined up through September 2025, and their absence will be deeply felt by fans and fellow musicians alike.
The loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber has left a significant void in the hearts of many. Their music touched countless lives, and their legacy will continue to resonate within the gospel music community. Autumn’s strength and resilience during this challenging time serve as a testament to the love and bond shared within the Nelon family.
As the investigation into the crash continues, the Nelon family and their friends are united in their grief, remembering the joy and love that Jason, Kelly, and Amber brought into the world through their music. Autumn’s heartfelt message of gratitude for the support she has received reflects the deep connections forged through their shared love of gospel music.
In the coming days, Autumn will return home to begin the difficult tasks that lie ahead, supported by her family and friends. The Nelons’ impact on gospel music will not be forgotten, and their legacy will live on through the memories and music they created together.
The gospel music community has lost not only talented musicians but also cherished friends and family members. As Autumn continues to navigate her grief, she carries with her the love and support of those who have been touched by her family’s music and their unwavering faith.
In this time of sorrow, the Nelon family asks for continued prayers for all those affected by this tragedy, including the Kistler family, the Haynie family, and the family of Melodi Hodges. The outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow musicians serves as a reminder of the profound impact that The Nelons had on the lives of many.
As Autumn prepares to welcome her first child into the world, she carries the memory of her family with her, honoring their legacy through her own journey. The Nelons’ music will continue to inspire and uplift, reminding us all of the power of love, faith, and family.
Source: Various News Outlets
