Tragedy struck on Friday as a plane crash in Wyoming claimed the lives of multiple members of the beloved gospel group, The Nelons, as well as a Georgia state official. The group, hailing from Atlanta, was en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when the tragic incident occurred near Gillette, Wyoming.

The plane crash claimed the lives of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler, and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, all members of The Nelons. The pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa, were also tragically killed in the crash.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), a preliminary report indicates that a Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft crashed into the terrain around 1:04 p.m. MDT on Friday. The NTSB is currently investigating the incident, with their team expected to arrive at the scene promptly.

Keith Holloway, NTSB Media Relations Specialist, stated that it is still early in the investigation, and limited information is currently available. Once the team gains access to the remote crash site, they will thoroughly document the scene and examine the aircraft. The aircraft will then be recovered and transported to a secure facility for further evaluation.

The NTSB is urging witnesses to come forward with any relevant information that could aid in their investigation. Those with information are encouraged to email witness@ntsb.gov.

The Nelons, a revered gospel music family quartet, consisted of Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and her daughters Amber Nelon Kistler and Autumn Nelon Streetman. Sadly, only Autumn Nelon Streetman, who was not on board the ill-fated plane, survived the tragic incident. She and her husband, Jamie Streetman, had already arrived in Seattle and were informed of the crash.

The Nelons were hailed for their remarkable talent and had the honor of being inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Their loss leaves a void in the gospel music community and their fans, who are mourning their untimely deaths.

As the investigation into this devastating plane crash unfolds, authorities and loved ones of the victims are left searching for answers and seeking solace during this time of immense grief.