Three members of family evangelical group die in plane crash

A husband, wife and daughter who performed together in American gospel group The Nelons have been killed in a plane crash along with four others.

Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark died alongside Amber Nelon Kistler on Friday when their plane crashed over Wyoming while en route to a show.

Autumn Nelon Streetman – who is also part of the Grammy-nominated group but was not on board – confirmed the deaths of her parents and sister on Instagram.

She thanked fans for their “prayers, love and support” hours after the fatal crash.

Amber’s husband Nathan Kistler, caregiver Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa Haynie were also killed, according to the group’s management.

Gaither Management said the passengers were heading to Seattle to join a cruise ship on which The Nelons were scheduled to perform.

Authorities in the area where the plane crashed said the accident happened around 1 p.m. local time, north of the city of Gillette. Local media reported the crash sparked a wildfire.

A spokesman for the National Transportation Safety Board said preliminary reports indicate the plane crashed due to an “autopilot problem.”

The group’s management said Autumn – the youngest member of the family group – was waiting for her parents and sister to arrive in Seattle when she was informed.

In an Instagram post, Autumn said, “Thank you for the prayers that have already been sent to me, my husband, Jamie, and our future baby boy, as well as to Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark.”

Rex Nelon, Kelly Nelon Clark’s father, founded the group in the 1970s.

They have been nominated for three Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

The group’s biggest hits include I Shall Not Be Moved, Come Morning and We Shall Wear a Robe and Crown.

Kelly was also an actress and appeared in the ABC fantasy drama Resurrection.