As many of you may already know, Rich Mullins died instantly late Friday night, Sept. 19, 1997, after a traffic accident on I-39 near Peoria, Illinois. Rich, 41, and Mitch McVicker, 24, were driving on I-39 South from Chicago to Wichita for a performance Saturday night at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. The concert was a benefit for a youth ministries organization of the United Methodist Church. The jeep they were driving lost control and flipped, ejecting both of them. Rich was struck by a tractor-trailer that swerved to miss the jeep and was killed instantly. Mitch (mistakenly reported as Rich's drummer — he is actually a guitarist who plays a variety of instruments) was still in the special care unit of St. Francis Hospital in Peoria the last I heard.
CCM Update has a page for the latest report of Mitch McVicker's condition. This page is updated daily.
Rich's mother, two sisters and two brothers held a private funeral on Thursday, September 25, with a couple of hundred family members and only Rich's closest friends in attendance. A public memorial service was set for Saturday, September 27th at 7 p.m. at Henry Levitt Arena in Wichita, KS.
Rich Mullins is most widely known for the powerful praise anthem "Our God is an Awesome God."
He also wrote "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," which became one of Amy Grant's biggest hits. His work with the charitable ministry Compassion International USA, and his work with Native American children on reservations were ministrations that he held dear to his heart.
In between writing, recording and touring, Rich worked on a degree in music education from Friends University. After his graduating in 1995, he made his home on a Navajo Reservation near Window Rock, Arizona, teaching music to the children on the Reservation.
An Official Statement From The Family Of Rich Mullins:
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of support given to us in this time of loss. It is a comfort to know that Rich's life and ministry touched so many. We hope that the things he taught and sang will continue to touch lives for many years to come. A mission close to Rich's heart is the work of Compassion, USA. If you would like to continue his ministry to hurting children, especially on reservations, make a donation to Compassion USA in Rich's name. Also, please continue to remember Mitch and the truck driver in your prayers.
Go To Page: 1 2
