Three members of the Grammy-nominated gospel band, The Nelons, died in a tragic plane crash Friday afternoon in Wyoming.
The family group were on their way to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska when tragedy struck.
The crash claimed the lives of Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges. The pilot, Larry Haynie and his wife, Melissa were also killed in the crash.
Autumn, the youngest in the group and her husband Jaime Streetman, were not on the plane. They arrived safely in Seattle where they received the news that their family had perished in a plane crash.
There, Bill and Gloria Gaither surrounded the couple, prayed, sang and embraced them as they processed the news. They also pledged to be by the couple's side to support them in whatever they need.
"I don’t have the words to comprehend how I feel right now & I’m not sure when I will, if ever but I do want to take the time to say, thank you all for the outpouring of love you have sent my family," said Autumn in a post on Facebook. "I’m not sure what lies ahead. I don’t know how to even sing without my family standing by my side, but If there’s one thing that I am sure of, it's that God is still good, even in moments where I feel absolutely weak and not sure how to go on, he’s been faithful and as long as he keeps giving me breath in my lungs I will continue to sing of his goodness."
Nathan Kistner's father, David said in a post on Facebook that it was news that no parent or family wants to hear.
"Betsy and I could not have had a better or more faithful son! Nathan LOVED his Lord, people, and the ministry. Nathan gave completely of himself and his many talents in serving tirelessly."
Autumn and Jamie have since returned home to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, where they will begin the hard tasks ahead of them.
This tragedy rocked fans, friends and family with many taking to social media to express their sympathies.
"Such a tragedy and sad loss," said one fan. "Deepest condolences. May God grant you all comfort at this time."
Michael W. Smith and his team also reacted to the loss.
"Michael, Debbie, and all of us on the MWS Team lift the Nelon family and friends in prayer today. Please join us. Thankful for this family’s ministry," said Michael W. Smith.
The Nelons had many accolades including, three Grammy nominations and 10 GMA Dove awards, and in 2016, the band was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.