Conner Smith speaks out as he faces charges for crash that killed a 77-year-old woman
Country singer Conner Smith is addressing his involvement in a crash that killed a 77-year-old Nashville woman, which has also led to a misdemeanor citation for Smith.
"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," he wrote in a July 11 Instagram post. "My heart is broken in a way I've never experienced, and I still struggle to fully process the weight of it all."
Smith made a request to his 205,000 followers: "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."
The Nashville-born artist performed at CMA Fest the day before the fatal incident, and he has not gone on stage since.
"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," he wrote. As he concluded the post, he continued, "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 has been affiliated with Big Machine's The Valory Music Co. label for five years and released his debut album, "Smoky Mountains," in January 2024. That recording contained a gold-selling top-20 radio hit, "Creek Will Rise."
Smith was slated to be a special guest on dates of Luke Bryan's 2025 Country Song Came On Tour.
What we know: Police release details of alleged fatal car accident
Conner Smith receives misdemeanor citation for fatal pedestrian crash
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department issued a misdemeanor citation to Smith following the June 8 crash that killed Music City resident Dorothy "Dot" Dobbins, 77.
Smith is scheduled to appear for booking on the citation on Aug. 7.
"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," Smith's lawyer, Worrick G Robinson IV, said in a July 11 statement. "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."
Police have said there was no evidence that Smith was impaired or distracted while driving at the time.
Nashville police said Dobbins was crossing at 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street in a marked crosswalk when Smith, who was driving his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, struck the woman. Smith exited his vehicle after crashing into Dobbins to render aid until emergency personnel responded, per police.
Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died.
Nashville neighbors advocate for safer crosswalk
On June 12, Dobbins' neighbors spent six hours at the crosswalk where the incident occurred, escorting every passing pedestrian and cyclist as they crossed the street.
The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that the residents were carrying signs urging motorists to yield.
Joe Nuzzo, the president of the Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association, said the neighbors who organized the crosswalk event wanted to not "let Dot's death go in vain."
A few actions have been taken to make crossing Third Avenue safer. New signage on the road identifies the crosswalk, and foliage from the roadside that blocked a driver's view of incoming pedestrians has also been removed.
Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin, who represents Germantown in District 19, addressed Dobbins' death during a special council meeting the day before.
"This is an area where we've been advocating for additional support," Kupin told council members on June 10. "I know (the Nashville Department of Transportation is) working on that, and I know I don't have to tell the folks in this room that we have so many areas in our district and our city that are working well and so many more that need work."
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY
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