July 26, 2024 – Nashville, TN
The beloved Gospel music family, The Nelons, experienced a heartbreaking tragedy on Friday afternoon when their plane crashed while heading to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska. The accident resulted in the loss of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, their daughter Amber, son-in-law Nathan Kistler, their assistant Melodi Hodges, and the pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently conducting an investigation into the crash.
Fortunately, Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, and her husband, Jamie Streetman, were not on the ill-fated flight. They safely arrived in Seattle and were later informed about the accident. Fellow artists, including Bill and Gloria Gaither, gathered at their hotel to offer support, prayers, and condolences, creating a community of care during this difficult time.
Autumn and Jamie will now return home to be with Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, as they face the challenging days ahead. The Nelon family, along with the Kistler, Haynie, and Hodges families, deeply appreciate the outpouring of thoughts and prayers from the community.
A Statement from Autumn Nelon Streetman:
“As many of you have heard, my parents, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, my sister Amber, and brother-in-law Nathan, along with our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry, and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday. We are grateful for the prayers and support extended to me, my husband Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as to Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. Your continued prayers, love, and support mean the world to us as we navigate the difficult days ahead.”
