Two years after the devastating plane crash that claimed the lives of several members of The Nelons, award-winning trio Selah is honouring their late friends in the most moving way possible-with a never-before-heard collaboration that fans never expected to hear.
On the second anniversary of the tragedy, Selah shared an emotional tribute on social media, revealing that they had recorded the beloved hymn "Nearer My God to Thee" alongside The Nelons before the fatal accident. Until now, the recording had remained unreleased.
"We can hardly believe it's been two years today since our dear friends, The Nelons, went home to be with Jesus," Selah wrote. "They are deeply missed, and we're so grateful for the legacy of faith, love, and music they left behind."
The group added that not a day goes by without thinking about Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler and the others who lost their lives.
"Before their passing, we recorded 'Nearer My God to Thee' together, but it was never shared publicly. We hope it encourages everyone who listens."
The release immediately struck an emotional chord with Southern Gospel fans, many of whom described it as both heartbreaking and comforting. Given the hymn's long association with hope, faith and eternity, listeners have called the duet a fitting final testimony from one of gospel music's most beloved families.
The Nelons were travelling to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise in Alaska when their Pilatus PC-12 aircraft crashed near Gillette, Wyoming, on 26 July 2024. The accident claimed the lives of Kelly Nelon Clark, Jason Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler, Amber's husband Nathan Kistler, family assistant Melodi Hodges, pilot Larry Haynie and his wife Melissa Haynie. Autumn Nelon Streetman, the only surviving member of the family group, was travelling separately with her husband and was not on board.
For decades, The Nelons were among Southern Gospel's most influential family groups, earning multiple Dove Awards and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Their rich harmonies and unwavering message of faith made them favourites across generations, and their loss sent shockwaves throughout the Christian music community.
Selah has also walked through profound seasons of personal grief in recent years, a journey that has shaped much of the trio's recent music and ministry. The group's latest recordings have increasingly reflected themes of loss, hope and God's sustaining presence through suffering.
Now, with the release of "Nearer My God to Thee," fans are hearing something far more than an unreleased collaboration. They are hearing the voices of treasured friends singing together one last time-a reminder that while tragedy ended one chapter, the legacy of The Nelons continues to echo through the songs they left behind.
