Southern gospel group The Nelons formed in 1977. The band has undergone many changes since then, putting out numerous albums and earning a GRAMMY nod in 1991. Sadly, three members of the top gospel act were killed in a plane crash Friday (July 26) in Wyoming. The next day, country star Travis Tritt paid his respects on social media.
Travis Tritt Pays Tribute to The Nelons
On Saturday (July 27) Travis Tritt took to X/Twitter to share his thoughts on the devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Nelon Clark, and their daughter, Amber Nelon Kistler.
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“Very sad news!” wrote the “Here’s a Quarter” singer. “My heart goes out to all @thenelons family, friends and fans.
Fans poured into Tritt’s replies to offer their support and express their grief. “Horrible,” wrote one X/Twitter user. “Loved their music. May God bless.”
“My heart is broken,” added another social media user. “Kelly was such a sweet person. Their music was awesome.”
Travis Tritt wasn’t the only one saddened by the loss. Actor and bluegrass musician Randall Franks shared a photo of himself onstage with the beloved gospel quartet.
“Heartbroken… Prayers for all,” Franks wrote.
What Happened to the Nelons?
The family had been traveling to perform at the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when their plane went down, according to management company Gaither Music. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently “investigating the accident.”
Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, also died in the crash, along with their assistant, Melodi Hodges. Pilot Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa, also perished.
Autumn Nelon Streetman, the group’s fourth member and Kelly’s younger daughter, was not aboard the plane at the time of the crash. The group’s lone surviving member shared a statement on Instagram.
“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,” she wrote. “We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Featured image by Jonathan Mailhes/CSM/Shutterstock
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