Granger Smith’s 3-Year-Old Son Dies After Tragic Accident
Granger Smith's 3-year-old son, River, has died. On Thursday (June 6), the singer shared that there was a tragic accident and that despite doctors' best efforts, he and his wife Amber said goodbye this week.
The Tennessean reports that River drowned at the Smith family home in Georgetown, Texas.
Smith — best know for songs like “If the Boot Fits” and “Backroad Song” and for his alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr. — didn’t share the nature of the accident or offer details about when it happened. “I have to deliver unthinkable news,” he writes. “We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith.” His full statement is as follows:
Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived. Amber and I made the decision to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children will be given a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father. Riv was special. Everyone that met him knew that immediately. The joy he brought to our lives cannot be expressed and his light will be forever in our hearts. If there are words to say more, I cannot find them in this moment. Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Smith adds, please consider donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. River is Smith's youngest son. He and his wife also have a daughter named London,7, and a son named Lincoln, age 5. Last summer Smith told Taste of Country how he planned to slow down his schedule through the fall and winter to spend more time with his children.
Smith canceled his scheduled show for Thursday night (June 6). His next scheduled tour date in June 14 in Vermont.
*This story was updated to reflect the cause of River Smith's death.
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