Country singer Conner Smith has broken his silence after being involved in a car accident that killed an elderly woman.
Posting via his Instagram on Friday, July 11, Smith, 24, released a statement on the fatal incident which resulted in the death of Dorothy Dobbins, 77.
“Four weeks ago, I was involved in a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the loss of a life,” Smith wrote. “Not a day has gone by that I haven’t grieved, prayed, and mourned for Ms. Dobbins and her family.”
He continued, “My heart is broken in a way I’ve never experienced, and I still struggle to fully process the weight of it all. 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.”
Smith added that he had pulled out of music performances due to the tragic incident.
“Out of respect for everyone involved and to give space to 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 wrote.
Smith concluded, “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.”
The singer was issued a misdemeanor state citation by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department on Thursday, July 10, one month after the incident, according to multiple outlets.
“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 attorney Worrick G. Robinson IV said in a statement to Us Weekly. “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 was charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense in June after Dobbins was hit and killed by a truck he was driving in Nashville.
“The preliminary investigation indicates that a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, driven by Conner Smith, 24, was traveling north on 3rd Avenue North as Dobbins was crossing the roadway,” Nashville Police said in a press release posted online. “It appears that she was inside a marked crosswalk when she was struck around 7:30 p.m. Dobbins, who lived nearby, was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she died.”
The “Learn From It” singer allegedly failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian, which was a preliminary contributing factor for the fatal incident, according to authorities.
“He showed no signs of impairment,” the release continued. “There are no charges at present as the investigation continues.”
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