WYOMING, USA — Along with six others, the Georgia Department of Corrections Board chairman died in a plane crash in Wyoming on Friday, according to Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
A statement by the governor also highlighted the three members of an Atlanta family gospel group, The Nelons, who died in the crash.
Gov. Kemp said chairman Larry Haynie's "impact on our state will not be forgotten." The statement continued by asking the public to pray for the loved ones of those lost in the crash and the gospel music community.
Haynie was the pilot of the plane, according to a statement by The Nelons' management group. His wife, Melissa Haynie, also died in the crash.
Gov. Kemp's full statement said:
Marty, the girls and I are truly saddened to learn of the tragic death of Larry Haynie and his wife, Lisa, along with all those lost in this horrible plane accident. As chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections Board and through a career of valued service in public safety, Larry's impact on our state will not be forgotten. We will continue to hold his memory and that enduring commitment to his fellow Georgians in our hearts and memories. Our entire family is asking everyone to join us in praying for those who have been lost, for their loved ones and communities, and for those throughout the gospel music community who have lost dear friends in this heartbreaking accident.
Three members of The Nelons -- Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark and their daughter Amber Kistler -- died in the crash. Amber's husband, Nathan Kistler, and the Kistlers' assistant, Melodi Hodges, were also on board.
The fourth member of The Nelons, Autumn Nelon Streetman, was traveling separately with her husband, Jamie Streetman, and her in-laws.
A separate statement on Autumn Nelon Streetman's Instagram, attributed to her, said:
As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday. 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. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.
A statement from Gaither Management Group on Autumn's Instagram added: "Autumn and Jamie will return home for now to Kelly’s brother, Todd Nelon and his wife, Rhonda, to begin the hard tasks that lie ahead. Please keep them, the Kistler family, the Haynie family and the family of Melodi Hodges in your prayers."
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also released a statement on X,
"We’re saddened to learn of the tragic passing of @GA_Corrections
Chairman Larry Haynie, his wife, Lisa, & all those who lost their lives in this terrible accident. We’re praying for their families, our GDC Board partners, & the gospel music community during this difficult time."
