Steven Curtis Chapman’s Daughter Killed by Son in Driveway Mishap - With News Video
The children of singer Steven Curtis Chapman pose for a group photo. Pictured are (top row) Will (12), Emily (18) and Caleb (13). They are holding (left to right) Stevey Joy Ru (2), Shaohannah (5) and Maria Sue (1).
How horribly sad….
I have two children under 3. I can tell you if something like this were to happen to either of them, it would kill me. I would never be the same..
My prayers go out to the family…
Chicago Tribune
The 5-year-old daughter of Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed Wednesday by a sport utility vehicle driven by her brother, authorities said.
The girl, Maria Sue, was hit in the driveway of the family’s home Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The brother, whose name and exact age weren’t available, apparently did not see the girl, McPherson said. No charges are expected.
“It looks like a tragic accident,” she said.
Several family members witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County just south of Nashville. The girl died later at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.
In a statement, Velvet Kelm, a publicist for Chapman, said Maria was the Chapmans’ youngest daughter.
Chapman, who is originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria. They also have three biological children.
The singer’s Web site says the couple was persuaded by their oldest daughter to adopt a girl from China. The experience led the family to adopt two more children and create Shaohannah’s Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.
The Chapmans did missionary work at Chinese orphanages in 2006 and 2007, according to the Web site.
“After our first trip to China, my wife and I knew our lives were changing — our eyes and hearts were opening to how big God really is, and we have wanted to experience more of that,” Chapman says on the Web site.
“We’ve really wondered whether or not we should just go to China and stay there. But I don’t think so. I believe God is saying, ‘I want you to go, get your heart broken, your eyes opened, and then take this story back to the church in America and around the world.’”
The 45-year-old singer also has released a book about being a father titled ” Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess.” He has won five Grammy awards and 54 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association, according to Kelm.
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wow that is horrible. i couldnt even imagine something like that. ill say a prayer for him and God knows that familys faith will be tested so they will need them
May 22nd, 2008 at 11:44 amI have been a fan of Chapmans for years, and have closely followed his career and family life, especially the adoptions of the girls and the great life and love that he was able to give them. I cannot imagine the heartache - I have 3 kids under 6 years old, and losing any of them would kill me. My prayers are with him and his family - especially his son
May 22nd, 2008 at 12:16 pmTerrible accident. Chapman is a good man. He’s a humanitarian at heart. Just like the sun shines both on the wicked and the good alike; unfortunately, bad things also happen to good people.
The little one is now sitting at the right hand of Jesus Christ. And if Chapman keeps on keeping on, so will he one day. He knows this.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:32 pmThis is very sad indeed. The poor kid who accidentally hit her is really going to have to fight through some stuff. The loss of a child, adopted or not is heart-stopping and tragic. The vacuum they all feel in that home right now must be massive. God bless and help them right now in their time of need and grieving. I pray that this whole family will find a way to come together and be even closer as a result. I pray no one blames anyone for this tragedy as it would do no good. Bring healing here, Lord.
May 22nd, 2008 at 3:25 pm