Country singer Conner Smith strikes, kills pedestrian in crosswalk, police say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) – A country music singer was involved in a deadly crash Sunday night in Nashville, his attorney confirmed to WSMV.

Conner Smith, 24, struck and killed a 77-year-old woman in a crosswalk.

Smith is a country singer who was on last weekend’s CMA Fest lineup.

The victim was identified as Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins, a retired attorney and a resident of the Germantown neighborhood in Nashville.

The Metro Nashville Police Department said Dobbins appeared to be inside a marked crosswalk on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street in Germantown when Smith hit her with his truck.

Police said it appears Smith failed to yield to the right-of-way of the pedestrian, but he showed no signs of impairment.

Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she died, police said.

Smith’s attorney Worrick Robinson said that the singer’s “heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Smith is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. He has not been charged.

City officials said Dobbins was walking her dog, Angel, when she was hit. We’re told the dog is OK and is now staying with Dobbins’ neighbors.

People who knew Dobbins and walk in that area daily said that changes need to be made.

Monday afternoon, Gina Brown had to wave at cars to stop at the crosswalk to make sure she could get across safely.

“Did you see how they barely stopped?” Brown said after she crossed the street.

Brown said sadly she was not surprised to hear that someone was struck and killed at the crosswalk.

While she wasn’t surprised, she is mad. Brown said she believes the crosswalk is becoming increasingly dangerous.

When she found out the victim was Dobbins, a woman she talks to regularly while walking her dog, she said her stomach dropped.

“It is just sad all the way around, and it could have been avoidable,” Brown said.

Brown thinks the crosswalk signage is inadequate, partially blocked by trees.

“Some [of the signs] are mere feet from the crosswalk, and people need more notification,” Brown said.

Other Germantown residents, as well as Metro council member Jacob Kupin, shared the same concerns at a Traffic and Parking Commission meeting on Monday.

“All Nashville crosswalks need proper signage to alert of the crosswalk and slow traffic,” Kupin said.

Resident Robert Kelly added, “If there are no plans to enforce traffic laws and protect pedestrians, remove the crosswalks.”

According to PEOPLE, Smith was born and raised in Nashville and is signed to Big Machine Records’ Valory label. He released his debut album “Smoky Mountains” last year and is also featured on the “Twisters” soundtrack.

Smith has opened for Luke Bryan on tour, and he was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards.

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