Three out of four members of an American gospel singing group have died in a plane crash in northeastern Wyoming.
The plane, which was carrying seven passengers in total, crashed while taking a flight to perform on a cruise ship.
Seven people on board the aircraft died, including Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark and their daughter Amber Kistler of the group The Nelons. According to management, the three were traveling to perform on board the ship.
On social networks, the representatives of the band — Gaither Management Group — confirmed the tragedy.
“One of America's most beloved gospel music families, the Nelons were involved in a tragic and fatal plane crash Friday afternoon en route to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska,” the statement on Instagram read.
“Killing in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their nurse, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa.”
While investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, the National Transportation Safety Board said early indications suggest a “problem with the autopilot during flight,” and while a preliminary crash report should be available in 30 days, a full report can take up to two. years.
“The aircraft is in a remote location and once they have access they will begin to document the scene, examine the aircraft,” the spokesman said. “The aircraft will then be recovered and taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.”
The Nelons, a popular gospel singing group, was founded by Kelly Nelon Clark's father, Rex Nelon, in the 1970s.
The group was inducted into the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame in 2016 and also won GMA Dove Awards, including Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
According to NBC, The Nelons have recorded more than 35 albums and scored more than 20 Top 5 Southern Gospel radio singles for songs including “Thanks,” “Come Morning,” “We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown” and ” O for a Thousand Tongues” “.
Clark's youngest daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who was not on the plane, paid tribute to her family members lost in the horror crash.
“As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber, and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie, were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” she wrote.
“Thank you for the prayers that have already gone out to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be baby boy, and to Jason's parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
