On the evening of June 8, 2025, rising country music star Conner Smith was involved in a tragic car accident in Nashville, Tennessee, that claimed the life of 77-year-old pedestrian Dorothy Dobbins. The incident, which occurred on the final day of the annual CMA Fest, has sent shockwaves through the country music community and prompted Smith to suspend several upcoming performances.
The Incident
According to a press release from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Smith, aged 24, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck northbound on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street around 7:30 p.m. when he struck Dobbins, who was crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk. Dobbins, a local resident, was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Smith failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian, which police have identified as the primary contributing factor to the crash. Authorities noted that Smith showed no signs of impairment at the time of the accident, and no charges have been filed as of yet, pending further investigation. A source close to the situation confirmed to media outlets that Smith was neither under the influence nor distracted by his phone during the incident.
Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson, released a statement acknowledging the tragedy: “On June 8th, Conner Smith was involved in a car accident that tragically claimed the life of Ms. Dorothy Dobbins. His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time. Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”
Show Suspensions
In the wake of the accident, Smith has made the decision to suspend several of his upcoming shows, including scheduled appearances on Luke Bryan’s 2025 Country Song Came On Tour, where he was set to perform as a special guest. The Nashville native, known for his heartfelt performances and viral hits like “I Hate Alabama” and “Creek Will Rise,” has not released an official statement regarding the full extent of the cancellations, but sources indicate that the suspensions are intended to allow Smith time to process the incident and respect the ongoing investigation.
The country music community has rallied around Smith during this challenging time, with fans and fellow artists expressing condolences for Dobbins’ family and support for the young star. CMA Fest, where Smith had performed just a day prior to the accident, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Nashville community and those affected by the tragedy.
Conner Smith’s Career
Smith, born and raised in Nashville, has been a rising star in the country music scene since his 2021 breakout hit “I Hate Alabama” went viral on TikTok. Signed to Big Machine Records’ Valory Music Co. label, he released his debut album, Smoky Mountains, in January 2024, which included the Top 20 hit “Creek Will Rise.” His career has seen him share stages with country heavyweights like Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, and Cole Swindell, and he was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards. Most recently, his single “Steal My Thunder” with Tucker Wetmore was featured on the soundtrack for the 2024 film Twisters.
Community Response and Moving Forward
The loss of Dorothy Dobbins has left a profound impact on her family and the Nashville community. As the investigation continues, Smith’s team has emphasized his commitment to cooperating with authorities and respecting the privacy of those affected. The suspension of his shows reflects the gravity of the situation and his intent to navigate this difficult period with sensitivity.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly in busy urban areas like Nashville during high-traffic events such as CMA Fest. As the country music world mourns, fans are encouraged to honor Dobbins’ memory and support Smith as he faces the emotional and professional challenges ahead.
For updates on the investigation, fans can follow local Nashville news outlets, and for information on Smith’s rescheduled performances, check his official website or social media channels.
