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Conner Smith issued a statement for the first time since his involvement in a fatal car accident in Nashville, Tennessee.
Smith, 24, was behind the wheel when he allegedly struck a woman, Dorothy Dobbins, 77, in a crosswalk on Sunday, June 8. Dobbins died after she was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The Metro Nashville Police Department issued a misdemeanor citation, attorney Worrick G. Robinson IV confirmed first to TMZ on Thursday (July 10). On Friday (July 11), Smith posted a statement on Instagram, speaking publicly about the accident for the first time:
“Four weeks ago, I was involved in a tragic vehicle accident that resulted in the loss of a life. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t grieved, prayed, and mourned for Ms. 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.
“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.
“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. 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.
“I’m thankful to serve a God who is near to the brokenhearted, and I have leaned on Him every step of the way. Through tragedy, I have learned that God is more faithful than I could have ever known before.”
The misdemeanor — rather than a felony — for failure to yield resulting in a fatality underscores a lack of criminal intent, per reports. Robinson told TMZ that “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.” Law enforcement reportedly stated that Smith did not appear under the influence at the time of the accident, nor was he using his phone while driving. See Smith's statement here: