Three members of the Atlanta gospel group The Nelons have been killed in a plane crash near Gillette, Wyoming. on friday.
According to a statement from Gaither Music Management Group, the beloved gospel music family was headed to Alaska for the Gaither Homecoming Cruise.
Those killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler, and their assistant Melody Hodges. Pilot Larry Haney and his wife Melissa were also among the victims, the statement said.
“As many of you have heard, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, my sister Amber and brother-in-law Nathan, and our dear friends Melody Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haney were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” Autumn Nelon Streetman, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark’s daughter, said in a statement. “I want to thank those who have already prayed for me, my husband, Jamie, our soon-to-be son, and Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. I ask for your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the days ahead.”
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NTSB investigating plane crash
The management group also said the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the accident.
According to a preliminary NTSB report, the Pilatus PC-12/47E struck the ground at approximately 1:04 p.m. MDT on Friday. The full cause of the crash is still under investigation.
“This investigation is still in its infancy, and we don’t have a lot of information at this time,” NTSB media relations specialist Keith Holloway told USA Today. “All I can tell you is that an NTSB team is scheduled to arrive on scene today.”
The investigation evaluates the pilot, the aircraft and the operating environment.
“The aircraft is in a secluded area and once we are in close proximity to the site we 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 examination.”
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any relevant information that could assist in the investigation is asked to contact the NTSB by email at witness@ntsb.gov.
Ajane Forbes is a reporter for USA Today’s National Trends team. Ajane covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at email addressInstagram, Threads, and X (Twitter) From @forbesfineest.