Country singer-songwriter Conner Smith has issued his first public statement following his involvement in a fatal car accident in June in Nashville, in which 77-year-old pedestrian Dorothy Dobbins died due to injuries.
In an Instagram post on Friday (July 11), Smith wrote, “Four weeks ago, I was involved in a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the loss of a life. 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.”
He also noted that he had not been playing shows in recent weeks. “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,” he shared. “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.”
Smith had been issued a misdemeanor state citation on Thursday night (July 10) by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, according to Smith’s attorney. Sources also told Billboard that Smith was charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense of failure to yield resulting in a fatality, which underscores a lack of criminal intent.
Smith’s attorney Worrick G Robinson IV said in a statement on Thursday, “A misdemeanor state citation was issued tonight by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to Conner Smith. Conner is incredibly grateful to the MNPD for their time and efforts to carefully investigate this tragic accident and has continued to cooperate at all times. His thoughts remain with Ms. Dobbins’ family, and he remains committed to honoring her memory with compassion by supporting efforts to improve pedestrian safety and help prevent future tragedies.“
Smith ended his public statement on Friday by referencing a Biblical scripture, Psalm 91. “I’m thankful to serve a God who is near to the brokenhearted, and I have leaned on Him every step of the way,” he wrote. “Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before.”
The musician, who is signed to Big Machine Label Group, earned his all-genre Billboard Hot 100 debut with the song “Creek Will Rise,” and has also released songs “I Hate Alabama,” “Learn From It” and “Roulette on the Heart,” a duet with Hailey Whitters.
