From tragedy to triumph: The baby who captured a city’s heart turns 21

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Monday was a big day for one of Charlotte’s favorite sons.

Twenty-one years ago, Chancellor Lee Adams was the target of a murder plot by his father, former Carolina Panther Rae Carruth, when he was still in his mother’s womb.

His mother, Cherica Adams, died as a result of the shooting Carruth planned, but Lee survived after being delivered by an emergency C-section. The tragic event that took his mom’s life left him with cerebral palsy.

Through the years, we’ve followed Lee’s story and watched him grow up.

Now, as Lee and his grandmother, Saundra Adams, prepare to celebrate his 21st birthday, Channel 9 anchor Erica Bryant talks to them about Lee’s progress and his plans for the future.

>> Watch the video at the top of this page to see how Lee and Saundra will mark this incredible milestone.

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Past coverage:

• ‘She just had a fire’: Family, friends celebrate 20th anniversary of Cherica Adams' ‘transition’
• Rae Carruth sends son money after being released from prison
• ‘Can’t even control the smile’: Chancellor Lee Adams visits London with Panthers
• ‘Charmed, blessed individual’: Chancellor Lee Adams making strides ahead of father’s release
• AGAINST ALL ODDS: Chancellor Lee Adams turns 18

Chancellor Lee Adams continues virtual learning as other exceptional students return to class

Cox Media Group