Nashville's music community is reeling after an emerging country music star was involved in a fatal traffic incident over the weekend. Rising country artist Conner Smith, known for his hit "Creek Will Rise," has found himself at the center of a tragedy following a Sunday evening accident.
According to Breitbart, Smith was driving his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in downtown Nashville when he struck 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as she crossed 3rd Avenue North. The collision occurred around 7:30 p.m., just as the city's annual CMA Fest was concluding its four-day run.
Metropolitan Nashville Police Department officials revealed that Dobbins was within a marked crosswalk when the accident occurred. The elderly resident, who lived in the vicinity, was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries.
Police have indicated that the 24-year-old singer appeared to have failed "to yield the right of way to the pedestrian." This detail has become a central focus of the investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what transpired at the intersection.
Authorities confirmed that Smith showed no signs of impairment at the time of the incident. No charges have been filed against the musician as the investigation continues, with police stating they're still gathering evidence and analyzing the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
A source close to the situation told media outlets that Smith was not distracted by his phone when the accident occurred. The same source claimed that police released the singer immediately after determining he wasn't under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
An attorney representing Smith has issued a statement addressing the tragedy. The statement expressed that Smith's "heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins' family during this incredibly difficult time" and confirmed that the artist "continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation."
The accident occurred on the final day of Nashville's CMA Fest, a major country music celebration that draws thousands of fans to the city. Smith had performed at the festival, posting photos from his appearance on Instagram with the caption "Hometown hits different" prior to the accident.
Following news of the incident, comments on Smith's most recent social media posts have been limited. The singer has not yet issued a personal statement about the accident on any of his social media platforms, where he regularly engages with his growing fanbase.
Smith began making waves in the country music scene at a remarkably young age, securing his first publishing deal when he was just 16 years old. His career gained significant momentum after signing with The Valory Music Co. label in 2019.
The Nashville native has been steadily building his reputation in the country music world with songs like "I Hate Alabama" and "Take It Slow." His recent festival appearance demonstrates his growing profile within the industry as he continues to expand his audience.
Smith represents part of a new generation of country artists who have leveraged both traditional career pathways and social media to build their brands. His performance at CMA Fest placed him alongside both established stars and fellow emerging artists.
The accident involving Smith has cast a shadow over what was otherwise a successful Nashville music weekend. The CMA Fest, which ran from Thursday through Sunday, typically showcases both established and emerging talent across multiple venues throughout the city.
Dorothy Dobbins, the victim in the accident, lived near where the collision occurred. Police confirmed she was using a marked crosswalk when she was struck by Smith's vehicle around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, suggesting she was following proper pedestrian protocols.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department continues to investigate all aspects of the incident, including road conditions, visibility factors, and traffic patterns at the time of the collision. Their findings will determine whether any charges might eventually be filed against the country singer as they complete their thorough examination of the evidence.
