Country star makes drastic career move after deadly car crash with pedestrian

Daily Mail​

17-06-2025

The country singer Conner Smith is making a major shakeup with his burgeoning career after he was involved in a deadly crash.
The 24-year-old singer–songwriter had been scheduled to headline the Military Appreciation Concert in Akron, Ohio, on Friday, June 20, but he has now dropped out of the event, Kaulig Companies Championship tournament officials told WKYC on Monday.
Smith dropped out of the event shortly after police alleged that he struck and killed a 77-year-old woman with his truck while she was in a crosswalk.
Smith's representatives haven't yet responded to DailyMail.com's request for comment.
In a statement shared with the tournament, a spokesperson for William Morris Endeavor (WME) wrote: 'As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events, he will unfortunately not be performing in Akron on June 20. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this difficult time.'
The Military Appreciation Concert, dubbed A Night in Nashville and to be held at Akron's Firestone Country Club, will now feature the country singer Frankie Ballard as its headline act.
Smith has since dropped out of multiple upcoming performances in the wake of the dead crash.
He was originally set to follow up his Night in Nashville show with a performance at the Buckeye Country Superfest on June 21, the following day.
But the event announced on X on Monday that he would 'unfortunately not be performing this weekend.'
Vincent Mason was added as the opening act at Ohio State University's football stadium, which will feature performances later in the evening by Jelly Roll and Kane Brown.
Despite the recent cancellations, Smith hasn't completely cleared his schedule.
His website's touring listing indicates he still plans to perform two shows in Missouri on July 18 and 19, follow by a run through the Midwest later that month.
Smith has multiple solo shows and festivals dates scheduled all across the US from August through late November.
According to a statement released June 9 by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Smith hit and killed a woman identified as Dorothy Dobbins, 77, with his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on the evening of June 8.
Smith was set to follow up his Night in Nashville show with a performance at the Buckeye Country Superfest on June 21, the following day. But the event announced on X on Monday that he would 'unfortunately not be performing this weekend'
Smith — who is signed to a subsidiary of Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift's old label — allegedly 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 allegedly hit her.
In a statement to DailyMail.com, Smith's attorney, Worrick G. Robinson, said his client was 'involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life.'
'His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins' family during this incredibly difficult time. Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation,' Robinson added.
Police alleged that a 'contributing factor' to the incident was Smith 'failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.'
Authorities also noted that Smith didn't show any signs of impairment, but it's not yet clear if he was tested for drug or alcohol abuse.
Police added that no charges have been filed against the singer at this time, but the investigation into the crash is ongoing.
A source close to Smith said the crash was an accident, and they claimed he was not under the influence of any substances and wasn't distracted by his phone before the crash.
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.