The rising country music star Conner Smith has canceled his upcoming concerts. This came after he was hit with a misdemeanor charge over his involvement in a deadly car crash. The incident occurred in Nashville, Tennessee last month.
Smith Breaks His Silence
Smith, 24, was behind the wheel when he allegedly struck the 77 year-old attorney Dorothy Dobbins on June 8. Dobbins was hit as she was in a crosswalk walking her dog, Angel. Sadly, Dobbins was killed. Angel survived uninjured and is now staying with Dobbins’ neighbor.
On Thursday, Smith was issued a misdemeanor citation for failure to yield, resulting in a fatality. The next day, he took to Instagram to break his silence about the crash.
“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. [Dorothy] 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,” he continued. “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.”
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Smith Steps Back From Concerts
Smith went on to admit that he has always seen performing as a means to heal himself. However, he feels it’s best to step away from his concerts at this time.
“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,” he stated. “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.”
Smith has long been open about his strong Christian faith. He ended his post by confirming that he is leaning on God during this difficult time.
“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.
Smith Charged
This came after the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) charged Smith with a misdemeanor. Indeed, police said that Smith failed to yield the right of way as Dobbins crossed the street. They added that he was neither under the influence nor distracted when he hit Dobbins.
Smith then responded through his attorney, who thanked the MNPD for investigating the crash thoroughly. The lawyer also expressed Smith’s commitment to both support Dobbins’ family and prevent these kinds of accidents in the future.
“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 told Fox News. “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.”
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Dorothy Dobbins’ Life
Dobbins’ obituary states that she was a “highly respected” attorney who spent decades fighting for victims of domestic violence. She was one of just twelve women to graduate from Vanderbilt Law School in 1971 in a class of 150. Dobbins later became a partner at Dobbins, Venick, Kuhn & Byassee.
After practicing law for many years, Dobbins spent her retirement working as a mediator through the Alternatives to Violence Project.
Meanwhile, Dobbins was devoted to her family, which included a daughter and four grandchildren.
“Each year Nashville has been the gathering place where the extended family comes at Christmastime-some thirty-five people stretching from coast to coast,” her obituary read. “Dot has been a magnetic force pulling them together.”
“Her presence is now sorely missed by them all, but they carry her memory, her love, and her ideals in their heart,” the obituary added.
This is clearly a very tragic situation for everyone involved. Rest in peace, Dorothy Dobbins.
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