Conner Smith Issued Misdemeanor Citation Following Fatal Nashville Car Accident

Following country singer Conner Smith’s involvement in a fatal car accident in Nashville last month, Smith was issued a misdemeanor state citation on Thursday night (July 10) by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, according to Smith’s attorney.

Sources tell Billboard that Smith has been charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense of failure to yield resulting in a fatality, which underscores a lack of criminal intent.

Smith’s attorney Worrick G Robinson IV said in a statement, “A misdemeanor state citation was issued tonight by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to Conner Smith. 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. 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.“

Smith was driving the Chevrolet Silverado that struck and killed a pedestrian identified as 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as Dobbins was crossing a street in Nashville on June 8. Dobbins was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she was struck. Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where she died from injuries sustained during the accident.

As previously reported, sources told Billboard shortly after the incident that Smith was not under the influence or distracted by his phone at the time of the incident.

Sources also tell Billboard that since the incident occurred, multiple signs have been installed where the incident occurred, to clearly indicate the crosswalk for drivers and pedestrians. Additionally, a tree that substantially obstructed the view of the crosswalk has been removed.

Sources tell Billboard that Smith is encouraged by the city’s efforts to improve safety at the crosswalk where the accident took place and that he respects the advocacy displayed by the broader community in supporting Dobbins and her family in pushing for the safety improvements, noting their work is a meaningful and admirable response to the tragedy. He also hopes the changes will prevent future accidents, sparing other families from similar heartbreak.

Smith is known for songs including “I Hate Alabama,” “Learn From It” and his all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart debut “Creek Will Rise.”