On July 26, three members of The Nelons, a gospel group from Georgia, tragically died in a plane crash that resulted in the loss of all seven individuals aboard.
A preliminary report regarding the crash is expected within 30 days, while the final report detailing the probable cause may take up to two years, as stated by National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Keith Holloway.
Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were among those who perished in the crash, along with Amber’s spouse, Nathan Kistler; Melodi Hodges; pilot Larry Haynie; and his wife, Melissa Haynie.
Their pastor at Roopville Road Baptist Church, Stephen Peeples, expressed solace in the knowledge that his friends are now with their Creator, recalling fond memories of the family who were dedicated members of the congregation.
GOSPEL GROUP EXPERIENCED ‘DARK TERROR’ IN FATAL PLANE CRASH THAT TOOK SEVEN LIVES: EXPERT
Three members of the Nelons lost their lives in a plane crash on July 26. (Getty Images)
When asked how The Nelons would be remembered, Peeples immediately replied.
“Their dedication and love for the Lord,” Peeples told Fox News Digital. “It was evident in their desire to minister during concerts; it was not just a performance, but a commitment to serve the body of Christ.”
Peeples also mentioned that many were unaware of the extensive ministry work the Nelons engaged in throughout their community.
THREE MEMBERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME QUARTET, THE NELONS, AMONG SEVEN VICTIMS IN PLANE CRASH
“They participated in numerous mission-oriented ministries that many didn’t know about, extending their impact well beyond just southern gospel music. They had a mission-driven mindset,” he stated.
Jason Clark, Kelly Nelon Clark, and Amber Nelon Kistler were victims of the plane crash in Wyoming. Autumn, second from left, was not on the flight when it crashed. (Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Dove Awards)
Upon learning about the crash in Wyoming, Peeples quickly tried to reach Autumn Nelon Streetman, the pregnant daughter of Kelly and Jason, who is also a member of The Nelons.
Autumn and her husband, Jamie Streetman, had traveled separately to Seattle, where the group was scheduled to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
WATCH: PASTOR STEPHEN PEEPLES REMEMBERS THE NELONS
“My heart goes out to Autumn. I cannot begin to fathom the depth of her loss,” he reflected. “She has lost four close family members and is expecting the family’s first grandchild. They were all so excited about it.”
“Autumn expressed to me, ‘I believe God sent this child at the right time,’” Peeples recounted. “This is where our trust in the Lord must prevail. A faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.”
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The pastor emphasized their commitment to faith in “our Lord, regardless of what occurs.”
“This is where we have to put our trust in the Lord. There’s no way around it. I shared with our staff that a faith that cannot be tested is a faith that cannot be trusted.”
“The beauty in all of this is that they are in the presence of the Lord,” he affirmed. “I know their commitment to Christ — all seven on that plane. As the Bible states, we mourn, but not without hope … we truly hold onto hope knowing they are with Christ.”
Autumn Nelon (third from right) was not on the flight and is expecting her first child. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
“For those of us who believe, this is merely a momentary separation.”
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A celebration of life event is planned for the family on Tuesday, August 6, at 1 p.m. at Roopville Road Baptist Church and will also be available via livestream.
“The beauty in all of this is that I know they are in the presence of the Lord. I know their commitment as Christ followers – all seven on that plane. As per the Bible, we mourn, but with hope.”
WATCH: PASTOR STEPHEN PEEPLES SHARES INSIGHTS INTO THE NELONS’ STRONG CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
According to a spokesperson from the National Transportation Safety Board, an initial investigation has indicated “an autopilot issue during the flight” as a preliminary area of concern, with further evaluations currently underway.
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The Atlanta-based Gospel music family was heading to participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when their plane went down, as confirmed by the cruise sponsor, Gaither Music Group.
“Autumn and Jamie will be returning home for now to stay with Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon, and his wife, Rhonda, to manage the difficult times ahead. Please keep them, along with the Kistler family, the Haynie family, and Melodi Hodges’ family, in your prayers,” Gaither Music Group mentioned at that time.
The Nelons were inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and have received 10 GMA Dove Awards, including multiple awards for Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
