Country Music Star Grateful After Fatal Crash Charges Dropped

Conner Smith will no longer face charges related to a 2025 crash that killed a 77-year-old woman.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Country singer Conner Smith, known for his hit song "Creek Will Rise," will not face charges related to a fatal car crash in June 2025 that killed 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins. Smith's attorney said the singer has been "grateful for the opportunity to get to know Dot's family personally and be able to voice his deep and sincere grief" over the "devastating accident" and "profound tragedy." The Davidson County District Attorney's Office withdrew the misdemeanor citation against Smith at the request of Dobbins' family.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal and emotional aftermath of a tragic accident involving a high-profile celebrity. The decision to drop charges against Smith reflects the desire of Dobbins' family to find closure, while also acknowledging the singer's expressions of grief and his cooperation with authorities.

The details

Authorities say Smith's Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck struck Dobbins as she was crossing the street in Nashville in June 2025. Dobbins was taken to a hospital where she died from her injuries. Smith was initially charged with failure to yield resulting in a fatality, but police said he showed no signs of impairment. In the months after the crash, Smith said he "stayed isolated from the world" as he processed the "pain" and "tragedy" with his loved ones.

  • The fatal crash occurred on June 8, 2025 around 7:30 p.m.
  • Smith was charged with failure to yield resulting in a fatality following the incident.
  • On February 20, 2026, the Davidson County District Attorney's Office withdrew the misdemeanor citation against Smith.

The players

Conner Smith

A 25-year-old country music singer best known for his song "Creek Will Rise."

Dorothy "Dot" Dobbins

A 77-year-old woman who was killed in the 2025 car crash in Nashville.

Worrick G. Robinson IV

The attorney representing Conner Smith.

Davidson County District Attorney's Office

The office that withdrew the misdemeanor citation against Conner Smith.

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What they’re saying

“This devastating accident was a profound tragedy for the family of Dot Dobbins and the larger Germantown community. Over the past several months, Conner has been grateful for the opportunity to get to know Dot's family personally and be able to voice his deep and sincere grief.”

— Worrick G. Robinson IV, Attorney representing Conner Smith

“The moment tragedy came, I knew that my heart had no way to process it. Surrounded by an incredible community, my wife, family, friends, pastors, for the first 30 days, I stayed isolated from the world. I spent most of my time with friends who had stopped by the house, or just me and Jesus. I turned off my phone, and the world, and simply guarded my mind, processing the pain with the people around me.”

— Conner Smith

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex emotional and legal aftermath of a tragic accident involving a high-profile celebrity. The decision to drop charges against Smith reflects the desire of the victim's family to find closure, while also acknowledging the singer's expressions of grief and his cooperation with authorities in the wake of this profound tragedy.