Poppy Bilderbeck
Three members of The Nelon family have passed away after being involved in a plane crash, their management has confirmed.
Yesterday (26 July), a plane crash occurred at around 1:06pm in an area north of Gillette, Wyoming USA and a 'wildland fire was caused near the crash site'.
Seven people are reported as having passed away as a result of the crash. Autumn Nelon Streetman - one of the four members of popular US gospel group The Nelons - has confirmed her three fellow band and family members Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark and their daughter Amber Kistler were three of those killed.
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The family are reported as having been traveling to perform on a cruise ship.
Autumn shared a statement via Instagram which reads: "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.
"Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.
"We appreciate your continued prayers, love, and support as we navigate the coming days."
And the gospel group's management also released a statement.
The statement from Gaither Management Group added: "One of the best loved Gospel music families in America, The Nelons were involved in a tragic, fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
"Killed in the crash were Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.
"Autumn, Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter, and her husband, Jamie Streetman were not on the plane and arrived safely into Seattle and were notified of the accident.
"They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief, pledging to support them in whatever needs arise.
"Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead.
"Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers."
And Campbell County Fire Department released a statement regarding the incident on its Facebook page.
The statement noted Campbell County Sheriff's Deputies, Campbell County Fire department and Campbell County Health EMS attended the scene and that the fire department units worked to 'suppress the fire' caused by the incident, using 'aircraft, heavy equipment and engine crews'.
It added The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is 'the investigating agency'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.