Christian Music Star's Daughter Killed In Driveway Accident
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Christian Music Star's Daughter Killed In Driveway Accident
Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year-old daughter was struck and killed Wednesday by a car driven by her teenaged brother.
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(May 22, 2008) -- The 5-year-old daughter of contemporary 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, was hit in a driveway on the family residence Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

McPherson said no charges are expected.

"It looks like a tragic accident," she said.

She said several members of the Chapman family witnessed the accident, which happened in Williamson County, Tenn. just south of Nashville.

The brother evidently did not see the little girl, McPherson said.

She did not have the name or exact age of the brother, only that he is an older teenager.

The girl died later at Vanderbilt Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Laurie Holloway said.

Chapman, originally from Paducah, Ky., and his wife have promoted international adoption and have three daughters from China, including Maria.

Chapman has won five Grammy awards and 51 Dove awards from the Gospel Music Association.

The singer's Web site said that Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, were persuaded by their oldest daughter, Emily, a recent graduate of Baylor University, 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.'"

Chapman also has released a book about being a father entitled "Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess."


Latest Comments

Posted by: Frankenstein Location: Manila, Philippines on May 25, 2008 at 02:10 AM

There are lessons for all of us in the Steven Curtis Chapman double tragedy where the youngest son accidentally kills the youngest daughter. How do you deal with such grief? I have written an essay on this; if you wish, you can read here: http://frankahilario.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Mary Location: Valley Mills on May 22, 2008 at 04:53 PM

My heart and prayers go out to this family. May God bring them peace. so heartbreaking....
Posted by: Frederick Ellis Location: Port St Luice, Fl on May 22, 2008 at 04:33 PM

My wife wanted me to see the news article about "Maria". My heart and prayers go out to the family. I was just reading a story last night about a mans that wanted God to answer his prayers in a way that didnt come through. He wanted God to heal his daughters leg, instead God had to allow the Orthopedic Surgeon remove the leg. The father went through many emotional thoughts, but in the end he understands to accept Gods way of doing things and not his. I too have a five year old grandaughter and would probably not accept those circumstances to readily. May God give all of us His peace and comfort knowing He does care for His children no matter what the circumstances. In Jesus Name, Amen
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