Country singer Conner Smith charged after deadly car accident with elderly pedestrian
The 24-year-old singer hit a woman identified as Dorothy Dobbins, 77, with his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in Nashville.
Smith — who is signed to a subsidiary of Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift's old label — hit Dobbins when she was walking in a marked crosswalk.
Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and died there, according to police, who noted that she lived near the crosswalk where Smith hit her.
According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on July 10 Smith has been charged with Failure to Yield the Right of Way Resulting in Death (a Class A misdemeanor).
Smith has been issued a misdemeanor state citation. He is to appear for booking on the citation on August 7.
As a misdemeanor instead of a felony, the charge underscores a lack of criminal intent, a source told DailyMail.com.
Smith's attorney, Worrick G. Robinson IV said in a statement: '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 posted his own statement to Instagram which read: '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.'
'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.
'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.'
Sources said Smith was 'not under the influence or distracted by his phone at the time of the crash.'
They added Smith 'is encouraged by Nashville's efforts to improve safety at the crosswalk where the accident occurred, because since the incident, multiple signs have been installed to clearly indicate the crosswalk for both drivers and pedestrians, and a tree that had significantly obstructed the view of the crosswalk has been removed.'
TMZ first reported that Smith had allegedly struck and killed Dobbins.
Sources at the scene added that police quickly released the singer as he allegedly didn't show signs of obvious impairment
The deadly incident occurred on the final day of CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville's Riverfront Park.
Smith had performed at the festival on its Chevy Riverfront stage on Saturday, June 7, the day before the crash.
Smith is a recording artist for Big Machine Records' sub-label Valory.
He's best known for the viral hit I Hate Alabama, which was released in late 2021 and became a sensation with TikTok users.
Buzz from the song led to his record deal, which he inaugurated with his 2022 EP Didn't Go Too Far.
His 2023 singles Take It Slow and Creek Will Rise have both been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and the latter run also became a top-20 hit on Billboard's US Country Airplay chart.
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