Christopher Laurie Dies At Age 33

Local newspapers are reporting the death of Christopher Laurie, son of Harvest Christian Fellowship pastor Greg Laurie. This message currently appears on the front page of the Harvest website:

Statement on the Passing of Christopher Laurie, Son of Pastor Greg Laurie
July 24, 2008

Christopher Laurie, son of Pastor Greg Laurie and Cathe Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, died Thursday morning in a car accident. A resident of Huntington Beach, Laurie, 33, served as the art director at Harvest Christian Fellowship for the past three years.

In addition to his parents, Christopher is survived by his wife, Brittany, and daughter, Stella, as well as his brother Jonathan. Christopher and his wife are expecting another daughter in November.

Memorial plans for Christopher are pending. More information will be posted to the Harvest website as details become available. You may pass along condolences and thoughts for the Laurie family by posting a comment on Pastor Greg's blog by clicking here.

In lieu of flowers, Harvest Christian Fellowship has established the Christopher Laurie Memorial Fund in memory of our friend, co-worker, family member, and brother in Christ. Proceeds from the fund will go to Brittany Laurie, Stella Laurie, and the soon-to-be daughter in order to assist them financially.

To make a donation to the Christopher Laurie Memorial Fund, you may make a credit card donation by clicking here. You can also make out a check to Harvest Christian Fellowship with the notation "Christopher Laurie Memorial Fund" on the memo line.

Regarding the accident, here's what the Los Angeles Times reported:

The accident occurred around 9 a.m. on the eastbound Riverside Freeway near Serfas Club Drive in Corona.

Laurie's station wagon collided with a Caltrans truck involved in roadwork in the carpool lane. Authorities were still piecing together exactly how the accident occurred.

Laurie, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Thousands upon thousands of condolence messages are pouring in to father Greg Laurie's blog. A few weeks ago, Greg's blog was a different place:

Since you seemed to like those Montana pics I posted yesterday, I thought I would post a few more. My son Christopher shot these.

The first picture is of Christopher's daughter Stella. It is followed a picture of Christopher, Brittany, and Stella.

I know of a father who died relatively young, and I know that this can shake up a family enormously. Pray for the Laurie family.