Those of you familiar with Contemporary Christian Music are no doubt aware of TobyMac.
Toby McKeehan began his music career as leader of the rap/rock/soul juggernaut DC Talk in the late 80’s.
The group peaked with a #12 spot on Casey’s Top 40 — courtesy of 1996’s “Between You and Me” — and a mammoth deal with Virgin.
Following their next studio album, Supernatural, each of the group’s three members embarked on a solo career.
Toby’s been flying high ever since — he’s released 7 studio albums, sold millions of records, and won multiple Grammys.
But Tuesday night — or, perhaps, Wednesday morning — brought an all-time low.
The singer’s first-born son — 21-year-old Truett — passed away at home.
As per a statement to the USA Today network by a family representative:
Truett did pass away at home in the Nashville area sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. Cause of death has not been determined.
Reps from the Medical Examiner’s Office also offered information to The Tennessean:
Toby was traveling back from Canada and did not get home to be with his family until after midnight last night so there is no statement. We just ask that everyone please be respectful of their privacy during this time and allow them to grieve their loss.
Truett was himself an aspiring rapper, having released music on multiple platforms under the names Shiloh, TRU, and Truett Foster. He’d also appeared with his famous dad on several tracks over the years.
As relayed by People, “[Toby] recently penned ‘Scars’ after his eldest son left home to pursue his dreams.”
From the song:
“When life cuts so deep try and remember, you are not alone, we’ve all been there, scars come with livin’. You are not alone, we’ve all been there. So lift your head, lift your head, lift your head to where your help comes from.”
Toby explained the pain of change to The Tennessean last October:
“[Truett] moved to L.A. and he’s making music and he’s doing his thing. But to watch him go through that, and watch him get bruised, it’s not easy. So that’s one of the ways life has changed. In that song, I just want him to know he’s not alone.”
See Toby’s moving tribute to Truett as he shares his last moment with his son:
Their last text exchange, as shared by Toby:
We never know if today is a bridge to tomorrow or the end of yesterday’s road. Let us all remember to tell those we love how we feel, while they can feel our gratitude.
I’m sure the McKeehan family will be grateful for your prayers.
“We don’t follow God because we have some sort of under-the-table deal with Him, like, we’ll follow you if you bless us. We follow God because we love Him. It’s our honor.
He is the God of the hills and the valleys.
And He is beautiful above all things.”
-ALEX
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