According to early reports, the victims included pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa; family assistant Melanie Hodges; her daughter, Amber; and Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler. The victims also included Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, key members of the award-winning gospel group The Nelons.
The sole surviving member of the immediate family, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was not on the flight. In a deeply emotional statement, she thanked fans and friends for their prayers and support, describing her grief as “indescribable.”
The tragedy occurred as the group was traveling to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise, a gospel music event in Alaska featuring some of the biggest names in Christian music. The Nelons had been scheduled to perform as part of the event, continuing their decades-long ministry of sharing messages of hope and faith through music.
