UNLOCKINGSITE

Country music star Conner Smith has been formally charged after hitting and killing an elderly woman with his car.

Last month, 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins was out walking her dog on a Sunday evening in Nashville, Tennessee, when Smith apparently failed to give way in his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at a pedestrian crossing.

After the incident, shortly after 7:30pm, Dobbins was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Centre.

Smith, 24, known for Creek Will Rise and Steal My Thunder, stopped at the scene, and police said he ‘showed no signs of impairment’.

Cops confirmed at the time that an investigation was ‘ongoing,’ but it has now been shared that Smith has been charged with a Class A misdemeanour.

According to a statement released by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department today, Smith’s official charge is Failure to Yield the Right of Way Resulting in Death.

After being issued a misdemeanour state citation, he is to appear for booking on August 7.

Since Smith has been charged with a misdemeanour, this means he may be punishable by a lower fine or shorter prison sentence than if it were a felony.

Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson IV, told TMZ: ‘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.

‘His thoughts remain with Ms. Dobbins’ family, and he remains committed to honouring her memory with compassion by supporting efforts to improve pedestrian safety and help prevent future tragedies.’

Smith also took to Instagram with a 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. 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.’

He continued: ‘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.’

‘I’m thankful to serve a God who is near to the brokenhearted, and I have leaned on Him every step of the way,’ Smith concluded. ‘Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before.’

Last month, Smith’s legal team confirmed to People that the singer was ‘involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life’, again echoing his remorse.

‘His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time,’ a statement said. ‘Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.’

Smith is a country singer who was born and raised in the city, where he lives with his surfer wife, Leah Thompson, whom he married last April.

He first rose to fame in 2021 when his song I Hate Alabama went viral on TikTok and led to him signing with Big Machine Records, Taylor Swift’s former label.

The artist went on to have huge success with his single Creek Will Rise, which was released in 2023 and now has over 62million streams on Spotify.

His debut solo studio album was released in January 2024, titled Smoky Mountains. After the release of this record, former single Creek Will Rise became the first-ever number one on the UK Country Airplay chart.

Smith has toured with Luke Bryan and featured on the Twisters soundtrack with his song Country in the Clouds, which he created with Dylan Marlowe.

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