Country artist Conner Smith has been charged with a misdemeanor in connection with a tragic car accident in Nashville that resulted in the death of a 77-year-old woman in a crosswalk. Authorities opted not to pursue felony charges.
Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson IV, confirmed to TMZ that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department issued his client a misdemeanor state citation.
“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,” Robinson said in a statement.
The fatal crash occurred last month when Smith, driving a Chevrolet Silverado, struck Dorothy Dobbins as she crossed the street in a marked crosswalk. Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center but later succumbed to her injuries.
Smith has been charged with failure to yield resulting in a fatality, a misdemeanor traffic offense, per Yahoo News. The charge reflects the absence of criminal intent in the incident.
From the beginning, those close to Smith have described the event as a tragic accident, emphasizing that he was neither impaired nor distracted at the time. Police confirmed he showed no signs of intoxication or phone use when the crash occurred.
Since the incident, Nashville officials have taken steps to improve safety at the intersection. Multiple warning signs have been installed to better mark the crosswalk, and a tree that had previously obstructed drivers’ views has been removed, per the Daily Mail.
Sources say Smith supports these safety improvements and is encouraged by the advocacy of local residents and community leaders who have rallied in memory of Ms. Dobbins. He is said to deeply appreciate the efforts to prevent future tragedies at the site.
“His thoughts remain with Ms. Dobbins' family,” his attorney added, per PEOPLE, “and he remains committed to honoring her memory with compassion by supporting efforts to improve pedestrian safety.”
Smith, known for his viral hit 'I Hate Alabama', is signed to Big Machine Records.