Country singer Conner Smith found himself at the center of a heartbreaking tragedy over the weekend in Nashville. 

On Sunday, June 8, the 24-year-old artist was driving his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when he struck Dorothy Dobbins, a 77-year-old woman who was walking in a clearly marked crosswalk. 

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Dobbins, who lived near the accident site, was immediately rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center but sadly passed away from her injuries.

Police say the preliminary findings suggest Smith failed to yield the right of way to Dobbins, but importantly, there were no signs that he was impaired at the time – no alcohol or drugs were involved. The investigation is ongoing, and as of now, no charges have been filed against Smith.

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His attorney released a statement to PEOPLE expressing deep sorrow over the incident, saying, “His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time,” and emphasized that Smith is cooperating fully with investigators.

"The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian," says the release. "He showed no signs of impairment." 

A source close to Smith confirmed that this was a tragic accident and that Smith was not distracted by his phone or under the influence. The timing of this accident was especially poignant because it occurred on the final day of CMA Fest, Nashville’s iconic four-day country music celebration – a time when the city is buzzing with fans and artists alike.

For fans who might not be as familiar, Smith is one of country music’s newest rising stars, and he has some serious hometown roots, born and raised right in Nashville. He’s signed to Big Machine’s Valory label and made waves last year with his debut album, Smoky Mountains. 

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Since then, he’s hit the road with Luke Bryan, landed a nomination for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and kept the momentum going. Earlier this year, he dropped a collaboration with Dylan Marlowe called “Country in the Clouds” and even scored a spot on the Twisters movie soundtrack.

The country music community is shaken by the tragic news but relieved to learn that Smith was not driving under the influence or distracted at the time of the accident. Fans are heartbroken over the loss and now anxiously wondering what’s next – will Dobbins’ family press charges, and could Smith face legal consequences? Many are also wondering how this heartbreaking incident might impact his promising career moving forward.

Photo Credit: @connersmithmusic on Instagram.