Christian Music Star Steven Curtis Chapman Faces Tragedy at Home

Maria, a recent preschool graduate was struck by the family car late Wednesday afternoon (May 21, 2008), as she played in the driveway of the Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman's family home in Williamson County, Tennessee.

The child was airlifted by LifeFlight and taken to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville. The Vanderbilt physician teams tried valiantly to save the child's life, but Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter died of her severe injuries.

Tragically, one of Maria Chapman's two teen brothers drove the Toyota Land Cruiser suburban utility vehicle. The boy did not see his sister in the long gravel-lined driveway. No charges are expected.

At least two of the Chapman children saw the accident occur. The entire Chapman family was at home when it happened around 5:30 pm (EST).

About Maria Sue Chapman (2003 - 2008)

Maria was the youngest of six children of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman. Several years ago, with three biological children (Will Franklin, Caleb and Emily), the Chapmans adopted three little girls from China. Maria was the youngest of these three (Shaohannah Hope, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue).

Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman adopted Maria in 2004.

Shaohannah's Hope

Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman are the founders of Shaohannah's Hope, established five years ago. Shaohannah's Hope provides grants and financial assistance to families seeking to adopt orphans worldwide.

According to the Shaohannah's Hope ministry website, the organization's mission is:

"to care for orphans by engaging the church and helping Christian families reduce the financial barrier to adoption."

The Shaohannah's Hope organization describes its ministry this way:

"We are dedicated to helping prospective adoptive parents overcome the financial barriers associated with adoption. We accomplish this by awarding financial grants to qualified families already in the process of adopting. The size of the grant awarded is determined by several factors, the most important being need."

Steven Curtis Chapman, in his recent concert tour, asked audiences to donate "Change for Orphans," as a means of raising funds for this cause.

About Steven Curtis Chapman

Steven Curtis Chapman holds five Grammy Awards and 54 Christian Dove Awards (from the Gospel Music Association) as a recording artist. With 44 top-hit (No. 1) singles, Chapman has sold more than 10 million albums. Steven Curtis Chapman is a member of the Music City Walk of Fame.

A Dad and His Daughter

Steven Curtis Chapman's most recent hit single is "Cinderella" (on his "This Moment" album), the story of a father's love for his daughter. Click here to watch the music video.

Recently, Steven Curtis Chapman also wrote a book, titled Cinderella: The Love of Daddy and his Princess. In the book, Chapman writes these words: "As the clock strikes midnight, remember...Each moment we have to spend with our children is a blessing from above."

May the Lord comfort Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman and all their loved ones, as they grieve the loss of their sweet little girl. And may his son know the grace, mercy and rebirth that only God can provide, as revealed through the unconditional love of his family.

In Lieu of Flowers

According to Steven Curtis Chapman's website, the Chapman family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that gifts may be sent to Shaohannah's Hope.

SOURCES:

http://www.stevencurtischapman.com

http://members.shaohannahshope.org

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hCX0xYfGnwKXZ56bJKPQoZGnyBKgD90QGLL80

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080522/NEWS01/805220370/1006

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/11576076/

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2008/05/22/1211182968194.html