The board chairman of the Georgia Department of Corrections was among those killed in a plane crash in Wyoming late last week.

Larry Haynie, his wife Melissa, and three members of an Atlanta family gospel group died when a single-engine turboprop piloted by Haynie crashed near Recluse, a town in northeastern Wyoming.

The plane experienced an “autopilot issue,” according to initial findings reported by a spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board.

In a statement, Gov. Brian Kemp praised Haynie for a career of “valued service” in public safety.

“Larry’s impact on our state will not be forgotten,” Kemp wrote. “We will continue to hold his memory and that enduring commitment to his fellow Georgians in our hearts and memories.”

Three members of the family gospel group The Nelons also died in the crash. Kelly Nelon Clark, her husband, Jason Clark, and their daughter Amber Nelon Kistler were headed to the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska at the time of the crash.

Amber’s husband, Nathan Kistler, and Melodi Hodges, an assistant, were also killed.

Kelly and Jason’s other daughter, Autumn Nelon Streetman, who was also a member of the group, was not on the plane. 

The 19-member Georgia Board of Corrections postponed its schedule Aug. 1 meeting until Aug. 8.

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