The 24-year-old country artist Conner Smith, known for his song “Creek Will Rise”, has been accused of striking and killing a woman with his car. The incident allegedly took place in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday (June 8).

According to reports from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, the singer was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when he hit the 77-year-old pedestrian Dorothy Dobbins, who was walking her dog through the intersection in a marked crosswalk. Reports say Smith failed to yield.

Dobbins, reports say, lived near the Nashville intersection. After the accident, she was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. The report from NPD stated, “The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. He showed no signs of impairment.” Other sources have said he was not distracted by his phone.

No Charges Against Conner Smith

Police say the investigation is ongoing. As of this writing, there are no charges against Smith, who was born and raised in Nashville. The country singer’s attorney shared with media outlets that his client was “involved in a car accident that tragically claimed a life.”

The lawyer’s statement continued, “His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time. Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”

The fatal collision happened to coincide with the weekend’s CMA Fest, which brings the world of country music together for several days each year in Music City.

Smith released his debut LP, Smoky Mountains, in 2024. The same year he married surfer Leah Thompson. Smith, who has also opened for Luke Bryan, is signed to Big Machine Records. He recently charted three singles. He was first recognized on TikTok for a song he wrote called “I Hate Alabama”.

This remains a developing story.