Christian music singer, Steven Curtis Chapman's five-year-old daughter, adopted from China, was killed in a tragic accident late yesterday afternoon, at the Chapman home.

The girl was apparently run over in her own driveway, by a car driven by her older, teen-aged brother, according to news reports.

Five-year-old Maria Sue was one of the six Chapman children, and one of three adopted from China by the family.

The Chapman's experiences with international adoption led them to establish Shaohannah's Hope, named after their oldest adopted daughter, an organization dedicated to erasing the financial barriers for families wishing to pursue the adoption option.

Mr. Chapman's personal website chronicles the tragedy on its front page. The Chapman's philanthropic website also contains information on this tragic incident and allows fans a vehicle for expressing their condolences to the Chapman family. The site also gives status updates on concert cancellations due to this tragedy in the Chapman family.

Both sites have picture galleries of Maria Sue and have a splash page with a beautiful family photo. The sites ask that donations to the nonprofit foundation Shaohannah's Hope be made in lieu of flowers.

No further details regarding the Chapman's son have been released, but prayers on his behalf would be most welcome, I'm sure. The family has a long journey toward grieving and healing ahead, and their son will have his own agonizing path to trod, knowing his role in this tragedy - albeit unwittingly - can only add to his profound loss.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Further resources:

Steven Curtis Chapman: Official Website

Shaohannah's Hope: The Chapman's Adoption Website