A country music artist who recently performed at one of Nashville’s largest festivals is now facing charges after a tragic pedestrian fatality.

Conner Smith, a 24-year-old recording artist, has been charged with a Class A misdemeanor after hitting and killing 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins in a marked crosswalk near her home on June 8, just one day after performing at CMA Fest 2025, as the Daily Mail reports.

The incident occurred on Sunday night, June 8, 2025, when Smith was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck in a residential area of Nashville. According to Metro Nashville Police, Dobbins was crossing the street within a marked pedestrian crosswalk when she was struck. She was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.

Smith, an emerging name in country music signed to The Valory Music Co., was not found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. Investigators also ruled out cellphone distraction. Press reports stated that Dobbins was walking close to her home when the pickup fatally hit her in a location with visibility concerns that have since led to safety upgrades.

On July 10, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced that Smith had been officially charged with Failure to Yield the Right of Way Resulting in Death, a Class A misdemeanor. The charge confirms that authorities do not believe the act was intentional, distinguishing it from a felony charge, which would require criminal intent. Smith was issued a state citation and is scheduled to appear for a booking on Aug. 7.

High-profile performance precedes tragedy

Just 24 hours before the crash, Smith had performed at the Chevy Riverfront Stage during the CMA Fest, a prominent annual country music event that concluded that same Sunday. The day after his set, the fatal collision occurred only blocks from the home of the victim.

Smith, who first rose to public attention with his 2021 viral single “I Hate Alabama,” expressed deep sorrow over the accident. In an emotional Instagram statement issued weeks after the crash, he said not a day had passed without his grieving for Dobbins and her family. He added that the loss has affected him profoundly, both personally and spiritually.

“My heart is broken in a way I’ve never experienced,” wrote Smith. “I ask that you continue to lift the Dobbins family in prayer by name.” In the same post, he stated that he had chosen to step away from public performances and concerts in the aftermath of the incident, calling it “important to take time away.”

Legal developments and public apology

Smith’s legal representation emphasized his cooperation with the authorities. Attorney Worrick G. Robinson IV said the singer had shown consistent willingness to support the investigation and that his client’s thoughts remained with the victim’s family. Smith, according to his attorney, is also committed to helping improve pedestrian safety going forward.

In the time since the crash, the area near the scene of the accident has seen modest safety improvements. According to multiple sources, signage has been added to improve pedestrian awareness, and a tree that was obstructing visibility of the crosswalk has been removed. Local officials have not publicly confirmed whether the city plans further upgrades to prevent future accidents.

Smith, whose rise in the industry has included Gold-certified singles such as “Take It Slow” and “Creek Will Rise,” faces a maximum penalty of up to 11 months and 29 days in jail if convicted. As of the time of the charge, Smith had not publicly announced whether he would resume musical performances before his scheduled court appearance in August.

Spotlight on crosswalk safety prompts local changes

The case has drawn attention not only due to Smith’s fame but also because of the conditions at the crash site. The crosswalk where the incident took place is located in a residential neighborhood and lacked adequate signals at the time. Residents have since called for more measures to make local streets safer for pedestrians.

Dobbins, described by neighbors as a longtime area resident, was taking a routine evening walk when the crash occurred. Though authorities stressed that Smith was not impaired or distracted, the tragedy has sparked a community discussion about driver awareness and the importance of yielding at crosswalks.

The relatively lenient charge has been noted by legal analysts, who explained that under Tennessee law, absent proof of criminal negligence or intent, even fatal incidents like this one can fall under misdemeanor jurisdiction. This has drawn mixed reactions online, with some sympathizing with Smith and others calling for broader systemic reform to protect pedestrians.

Lessons to learn

1. Always yield at marked crosswalks. Drivers must remain vigilant near crosswalks and remember that pedestrians have the right of way. Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to life-altering consequences.

2. Communities must advocate for safer roads. Residents should voice concerns about high-risk areas where signage, visibility, or lighting fall short. Advocacy can lead to changes like added signage or infrastructure upgrades that may help prevent future accidents.

3. No one is immune to tragedy. Whether walking to a neighbor’s home or commuting after a concert, accidents can occur anywhere, to anyone. It’s vital to stress that the responsibility for preventing pedestrian fatalities lies primarily with due care by drivers, not the victims.

Why this story matters

This incident serves as a somber reminder that even high-profile individuals must be held accountable when negligence results in loss of life. It also amplifies community concerns about pedestrian safety in growing cities like Nashville.

As music fans and residents alike reflect on what happened, the importance of preventive urban planning and personal responsibility comes into sharper focus.