Conner Smith Shares Statement Following Fatal Car Accident & Misdemeanor Charge

American country singer Conner Smith has shared a statement following his involvement in a fatal car accident in Nashville, in which 77-year-old pedestrian Dorothy Dobbins died due to injuries.

Last month, Countrytown reported that the 24-year-old musician was named as the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, which reportedly failed to give way to Dorothy Dobbins as she crossed the road at a marked crosswalk on Sunday night.

Dobbins was taken to the nearby Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, where she later passed away.

On Thursday (10 July), Smith’s attorney stated that the singer had received a misdemeanour state citation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Billboard also reported that Smith was charged with a misdemeanour traffic offence for failing to yield, which resulted in a tragedy.

“Four weeks ago, I was involved in a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the loss of a life,” Smith posted on Instagram on Friday (11 July).

“Not a day has gone by that I haven’t grieved, prayed, and mourned for Ms. Dobbins and her family. My heart is broken in a way I’ve never experienced, and I still struggle to fully process the weight of it all.

“I ask that you continue to lift the Dobbins family up in prayer by name, asking for God’s peace to surround them each day.”

Adding that he recently made the conscious decision to step away from performing after the accident, Smith continued, “Out of respect for everyone involved and to give space for grieving, I made the decision to step away from shows these past few weeks.

“I have always found that making music and playing shows is a place of healing for me - but for this moment, it was important for me to take time away.”

Referencing a Biblical scripture, Psalm 91, Smith concluded his post, “I’m thankful to serve a God who is near to the brokenhearted, and I have leaned on Him every step of the way. Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before.”

Smith began his musical career in 2020, releasing his single I Hate Alabama in October 2021. The track, which was written about a relationship that ended within the titular US state, makes heavy references to the rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama’s football teams and later went viral, both on TikTok and in Alabama’s football community.

Smith released his debut EP, Didn't Go Too Far, in early 2022, with his Creek Will Rise single arriving the following year and topping the Countrytown Hot 50. His debut album, Smoky Mountains, was released in early 2024 and has since increased his popularity immensely.

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