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Top stories submitted and voted on from Propeller.

Daughter of Christian Music Star Killed

By JOE EDWARDS,

Posted: 2008-05-22 07:54:10

Filed Under: Star Obituaries, Music News

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 22) - 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.

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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.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2008-05-22 07:00:32

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Vobox3343 02:30:32 PM Jun 09 2008

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RobbingHoodPlay 08:23:01 PM May 31 2008

Report This! ROMANS 8:28: "And we know ALL things work together for GOOD to those who love God. To those who are called according to His purpose".

Why did this little girl have to die at such a young age? Why did the Lord take her home?
This I can NOT answer! I don't believe anyone can. The above verse (Romans 8:28) tells us that in some way, some how this situation will work toward a greater good better than anyone can comprehend!
We may never understand how or why in our lifetime, but we do know God has a reason for everything!

I certainly wouldn't want to knock your faith, but we already know what happened, This was an accident caused by her teenage brother. The message to all of us who drive is: Be really careful and alert to all things when behind the wheel. It is not a toy.

Kurayakin 02:01:29 PM Jun 09 2008

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Sorry for your loss. Thats just one more ANGEL in Heaven watching over you.

TMeyerjam 05:02:17 AM Jun 01 2008

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Uhhh afis, he wasn't a rapper you moran!!

RobbingHoodPlay 08:23:01 PM May 31 2008

Report This!

ROMANS 8:28: "And we know ALL things work together for GOOD to those who love God. To those who are called according to His purpose".

Why did this little girl have to die at such a young age? Why did the Lord take her home?
This I can NOT answer! I don't believe anyone can. The above verse (Romans 8:28) tells us that in some way, some how this situation will work toward a greater good better than anyone can comprehend!
We may never understand how or why in our lifetime, but we do know God has a reason for everything!

RobbingHoodPlay 08:23:01 PM May 31 2008

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kqquest 08:16:16 AM May 29 2008

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May God be with the whole Chapman family, Steven hug your son and know that all of us who are watching send our prayers and know that little Maria Sue is in the arms of Jesus. She is home with her loving Father and you will be reunited soon. Thank you for the years of caring and giving. you are not alone we all feel your loss.

kqquest 08:11:06 AM May 29 2008

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For Steves, Family I am so sorry for this tradgedy and our prayers will go up for you and also your teen ages boys. May all God's love and comform be with your family during this hard time. Little Maria Sue is now at her final home and with a Daddy that will love and take care of her until your family will reunite with her. Steven hug all your kids and most of all your son. Romans 8:38,39

dking19301 12:15:41 AM May 29 2008

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that poor girl should have never been taken away from her home.

constanceshan 10:53:14 PM May 28 2008

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I am so terribly sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all, permeate your being with his grace and remind you that eternity is just a moment away.
What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Constance Pinckney