In a devastating incident on Friday afternoon, a plane crash in Wyoming took the lives of three members of the beloved family gospel group, The Nelons, along with four others, including the pilot. The tragic accident occurred as Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.

According to a statement issued by Gaither Management Group, the crash took place near Recluse, Wyoming, a small community in the northeast of the state. Kelly and Jason's other daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who was also a member of the group, fortunately, was not aboard the ill-fated plane.

Amidst the grief, Autumn Nelon Streetman expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support, extending her appreciation to those who had offered condolences to her family. She also shared that she and her husband, along with their soon-to-be-born baby boy, were in need of continued prayers and support in the days ahead.

The identities of the other victims in the crash have also now been revealed. Among them were Amber's husband, Nathan Kistler, Melodi Hodges, an assistant, as well as pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The cause of the accident remains unknown at this time, prompting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to launch an investigation into the incident.

Preliminary information from the NTSB suggests that the plane, a Pilatus PC-12/47E single-engine turboprop aircraft, experienced an autopilot issue during the flight, which ultimately led to the tragic impact. As the investigation is still in its early stages, little information has been released regarding the specific details surrounding the crash.

A team from the NTSB is on its way to the remote crash site in order to gain access to the aircraft and commence the examination process. Once the team has access to the wreckage, a more thorough analysis will be conducted to shed light on the events that led to this devastating accident.

Larry Haynie, the pilot, was not just an aviator but also the Chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board. Described as devoted to his wife, family, and grandchildren, Haynie was also greatly respected as a supporter of the corrections department. Governor Brian Kemp expressed his deep sorrow over the loss, acknowledging Haynie's significant contributions to public safety and the state of Georgia.

The Nelons, a highly acclaimed family gospel group, have made a lasting impact on the music industry. With more than 35 albums and over 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles, their music has touched the hearts of many. In 2016, they were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and they have received numerous accolades, including a Grammy nomination and 35 nominations for the GMA Dove Awards.

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) President, Jackie Patillo, expressed profound sadness over the tragic loss of Jason, Kelly, and Amber, as well as the other victims. Offering condolences, she emphasized that the Nelons would be forever cherished and remembered within the GMA Hall of Fame.

As the investigation continues and the grieving process unfolds, the music community, friends, and fans are uniting in prayer for all the lives lost in this heartbreaking accident.