Latest news with #FrankieBallard
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Country star makes drastic career move after deadly car crash with pedestrian
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 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 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.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club tees off this week: What to know ⛳
You might notice that your favorite restaurants in and around Greater Akron might be a tad bit busier this week. It is golf tournament week in Akron. Some of the best golfers in the world will be hitting the links at the famed Firestone Country Club for the Kaulig Companies Championship. Advertisement The tournament's title sponsor is Hudson-based Kaulig Companies whose holdings include LeafFilter and financial services. The company also sponsors a NASCAR team. Gene Sauers reads the green on the third hole during the first round of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club, Thursday, July 11, 2024, in Akron, Ohio. When is the 2025 Kaulig Companies Championship? The tournament starts Thursday, June 19, and runs through Sunday, June 22. The gate times when the grounds open for fans for the tournament are 7 a.m. Wednesday, June 18; 9:30 a.m. Thursday, June 19; and 10 a.m. Friday, Jun 20. The gates will open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. How do I get tickets for the 2025 Kaulig Championship? Fans enjoy the final round of the Kaulig Companies Championship golf tournament from the skybox at Firestone Country Club, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Akron, Ohio. Tickets for the Akron tournament are available online at Advertisement The general admission prices range from $19 to $34. Kids ages 18 and under are admitted free with a ticketed adult. All active and retired military and their dependents receive complimentary admission along with first responders. Who is performing at Firestone concerts? Frankie Ballard. The nightly concerts and entertainment begin on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Stage after play ends for the day. On Thursday, June 19, Dance the Night Away featuring DJ Bobby Booshay. The tournament announced on June 16 that former headliner Conner Smith had to bow out after being involved in a fatal accident in which a pedestrian was struck in Nashville earlier this month. Advertisement Saturday night's Rockin' on the Green will feature Red Wanting Blue and The Michael Weber Show. What else is there to do at the Kaulig Cos. Championship? Rocco Mediate scratches his back on the sixth hole during the third round of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club, Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Akron, Ohio. The tournament will once again feature the Kaulig Infinity Zone where there will be exhibits and things to do just inside the entrance. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Stage in the Infinity Zone will host concerts each night. The Kids Zone sponsored by Meijer will feature mascots and other activities near the 18th green. How to watch the Kaulig Companies Championship The Golf Channel will broadcast the Akron tournament. The schedule: Thursday: 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Tape Delay) Friday: 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Tape Delay) Saturday: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Live Coverage) Who qualifies for the Kaulig Companies Championship? The Kaulig Companies Championship is one of five major championships on the PGA TOUR Champions. Advertisement To participate, eligible golf professionals must be age 50 and over. The total purse at the Firestone tournament is $3.5 million with the champion winning a $525,000 prize. Who is playing in the Kaulig Companies Championship? Ernie Els celebrates winning the Kaulig Companies Championship golf tournament at Firestone Country Club, Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Akron, Ohio. There will be 78 players in this year's Kaulig Companies Championship. The lineup includes a who's who in the world of golf. World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els is returning to Firestone to defend his championship. There are six other World Golf Hall of Fame members in the field including Retief Goosen, a 2019 winner at Firestone, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, a three-time winner of the tournament, Colin Montgomerie and Vijay Singh. Advertisement Jerry Kelly, who won the tournament in 2020 and 2022, is also in the lineup. Other notable golfers include Miguel Angel Jiménez, who is No. 1 on the Charles Schwab Cup standings, and No. 2 ranked Ángel Cabrera. Fan-favorite John Daly will also compete. All total, the field includes 25 PGA TOUR Champions major winners, 17 PGA TOUR major winners, 56 players who have won on PGA TOUR Champions (with a combined 278 wins) and 53 players who have won on the PGA TOUR (with 288 combined wins). This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: What you need to know about the Kaulig Companies Championship in Akron
