Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 18, 2025 · Entertainment

Country Star Conner Smith Cancels Shows After Tragic Pedestrian Crash

The country singer Conner Smith, 24, has dropped out of multiple upcoming performances in the wake of a deadly crash; pictured June 7 in Nashville, Tenn.

Country Star Conner Smith's Shocking Scandal: A Deadly Crash, Canceled Shows, and Questions Lurking

The country music scene is reeling after a devastating car crash involving rising star Conner Smith, 24, left one woman dead and sent shockwaves through the industry. The singer-songwriter, known for his viral hit "I Hate Alabama," has been forced to cancel multiple upcoming shows and performances in the wake of the tragedy.

According to authorities, on June 8, Smith was behind the wheel of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when he struck and killed 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins as she walked across a marked crosswalk. The incident occurred just hours after Smith performed at CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville's Riverfront Park.

Smith hit and killed a woman identified as Dorothy Dobbins, 77, with his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck when she was in a protected cross walk near her home, police said in a statement; pictured Friday, June 7 ¿ the day before the crash occurred ¿ in Nashville

As news of the crash spread, Smith's representatives were quick to issue a statement confirming that he would be dropping out of his scheduled performance at the Military Appreciation Concert in Akron, Ohio, on June 20. The concert, dubbed "A Night in Nashville," was set to feature Smith as the headlining act, but with his sudden cancellation, country singer Frankie Ballard has taken over as the new headliner.

The news came as a shock to fans and industry insiders alike, who are still reeling from the tragic events of June 8. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department released a statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the crash, noting that Smith allegedly failed to yield the right of way to Dobbins before striking her with his vehicle.

Despite the gravity of the situation, sources close to Smith have vehemently denied any claims of impairment or distraction at the time of the accident. "This was an honest mistake," a source told The Scholarly Note. "Conner wasn't under the influence of anything and he wasn't distracted by his phone. He's cooperating fully with the investigation and is truly devastated by what happened."

Smith was set to follow up his Night in Nashville show with a performance at the Buckeye Country Superfest on June 21, the following day. But the event announced on X on Monday that he would 'unfortunately not be performing this weekend'

As the investigation into the crash continues, Smith's representatives have been tight-lipped about the incident, refusing to comment on behalf of the singer. However, a statement released through his management team, William Morris Endeavor (WME), read: "As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events, he will unfortunately not be performing in Akron on June 20. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this difficult time."

In the wake of the crash, Smith has been forced to cancel multiple upcoming shows, including his performance at the Buckeye Country Superfest on June 21. The event has since announced a lineup change, with Vincent Mason taking over as the opening act.

Despite the chaos surrounding him, Smith's schedule remains packed, with multiple solo shows and festival dates scheduled across the US from August through late November. However, it remains to be seen how this latest scandal will impact his career in the long run.

According to a statement released June 9 by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Smith (right) hit and killed a woman identified as Dorothy Dobbins, 77, with his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck on the evening of June 8; pictured June 7 in Nashville

As the country music community continues to grapple with the devastating news, fans are left wondering what will happen next for Smith. Will he be able to bounce back from this tragedy and continue to ride the wave of success that has brought him to the forefront of the industry? Only time will tell.

For more on Conner Smith's tragic car crash and its aftermath, stay tuned to The Scholarly Note for updates as this story continues to unfold.

The crash occurred on the final day of CMA Fest 2025 in Nashville's Riverfront Park. Smith had performed at the festival on its Chevy Riverfront stage on Saturday, June 7, the day before the crash (pictured)

Police noted that no charges have been filed against Smith at this time, but they noted that the investigation into the fatal crash is still ongoing; pictured June 7 in Nashville