CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The tragic plane crash in northeast Wyoming that claimed the lives of seven people, including three members of the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame quartet The Nelons, has left a community in mourning.
The pilot declared an emergency and loss of autopilot shortly before the incident, which occurred on July 26. The plane had taken off from an airport in Nebraska with plans to stop in Billings, Montana, before crashing about 12 miles northeast of Recluse, Wyoming.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report revealed that during the final moments of the flight, the pilot reported the loss of autopilot to the Salt Lake City Air Route Traffic Control Center, leading to an emergency situation. Unfortunately, the controller lost contact with the pilot soon after.
Witnesses near the crash site reported hearing alarming noises and seeing the plane in distress before it ultimately crashed in a remote area. The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, with a final report expected to be released at a later date.
Among the victims were Kelly Nelon Clark, co-founder of The Nelons, her husband, daughter, son-in-law, family friend, and the pilot of the plane. The Nelons had been planning to embark on the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska, highlighting their deep roots in the gospel music industry.
The Nelons’ legacy in the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame and their numerous GMA Dove Awards showcase their talent and impact on the industry, making their untimely passing all the more devastating.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
