Conner Smith has broken his silence following the tragic accident involving a pedestrian fatality at a Nashville crosswalk. Shortly after performing at CMA Fest on June 8, Conner Smith was on his way home when tragedy struck. He struck and killed 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins, affectionately known as ‘Dot’ by her family and friends. A highly respected retired attorney and beloved member of the Nashville community, Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead.
Now, the 24-year-old country star took to social media on Friday (July 11) to address the situation for the first time and ask his followers to continue to pray for the Dobbins’ family in an emotional statement.
“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,” Smith’s message on social media began.
Smith then encouraged fans and anyone who sees his message to “continue to lift the Dobbins family up in prayer by name, asking for God’s peace to surround them each day.” He went on to acknowledge that he has been leaning on his faith during this difficult time and has taken a step back from touring as he struggles to process the weight of the accident.
“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,” he explained. “I am 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.”
He concluded his message with a bible verse from Psalm 91.
Conner Smith’s statement comes just one day after TMZ reported that he was issued a misdemeanor traffic offense for failure to yield, resulting in a fatality, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) and a statement made to the outlet by Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson IV. Robinson also told the outlet, “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.”
On June 8, Conner Smith was on his way home when he accidentally struck and killed 77-year-old Dobbins. She was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was later pronounced dead. According to a press release from the MNPD, Conner Smith “was not under the influence or distracted by his phone at the time of the crash. Cops said he showed no signs of impairment after the incident, and the initial belief was he failed to yield.” Since the accident, Smith has remained fully cooperative with authorities.
“On June 8th, Mr. Smith was involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life. His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time,” Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson, shared in a statement at the time. “Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”
TMZ also reported that 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.” Smith “deeply respects the advocacy shown by the broader Nashville community in support of Ms. Dobbins and her family in pushing for these safety improvements … and their work stands as a meaningful and admirable response to an unthinkable tragedy,” according to the outlet.
“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’s attorney, Robinson, added.
