Three members of the Nelons, a quartet in the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, were among seven people killed in a plane crash in Wyoming, according to a statement from a group member who was not on board the plane.
Nelons co-founder Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler, were killed in the crash Friday afternoon, according to a statement from her daughter Autumn Nelon Streetman.
“Thank you for the prayers that have already been said for me, my husband, Jamie, and our upcoming baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark,” Nelon Streetman said. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the days ahead.”
According to Nelon Streetman, Nelon Kistler’s husband Nathan Kistler, family friend Melodi Hodges, and Larry and Melissa Haynie were also killed in the crash.
There were no survivors.
According to a statement from Gaither Music Group, the sponsor of the cruise that features numerous gospel singers and groups, the group was en route to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
Gaither Music said Hodges was an assistant for the band. Larry Haynie was the pilot of the plane and Melissa Haynie was his wife. The plane was identified as a single-engine turboprop Pilatus PC-12/47E.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. in Campbell County, Wyoming, north of Gillette and about 250 miles (402 kilometers) north of Cheyenne, according to a statement from Campbell County spokeswoman Leslie Perkins.
Keith Holloway, spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board, said Saturday that a team of investigators is expected on the scene later Saturday.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they get access, they will begin documenting the scene and examining the aircraft,” Holloway said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
Holloway said a preliminary report on the crash is expected in about 30 days, while it could take up to two years before a final report on the probable cause of the crash is ready.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have won 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple awards for Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
