This week in Christian history: Rich Mullins dies in traffic accident, St. Francis of Assisi stigmata, King Henry IV absolved
Rich Mullins dies in traffic accident – Sept. 19, 1997
This week marks the anniversary of when Rich Mullins, a popular contemporary Christian musician known for such songs as “Awesome God,” “My Deliverer” and “Sing Your Praise to the Lord,” was killed in a traffic accident.
A native of Wayne County, Indiana, Mullins had several albums released during the 1980s and 1990s, and was known for living a monastic-like lifestyle, reportedly due to a fondness for St. Francis of Assisi.
Mullins influenced late 20th century Christian music, and won multiple Dove Awards, including for the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
On a car trip with fellow singer Mitch McVicker, the jeep they were in crashed, with the two being ejected from the vehicle. An oncoming truck struck Mullins while he was unable to move. He was weeks away from his 42nd birthday.
In 2012, Christian Music Broadcasters created the annual Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award, an honor meant to celebrate those who have made a longstanding contribution to the genre. Stephen Curtis Chapman was the first honoree.
