Country Singer Conner Smith Named as Driver in Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Dorothy Dobbins, 77, died after being struck while walking her dog across a Nashville crosswalk.

Conner Smith attends the 2024 BMI Country Awards at BMI in Nashville, Tenn., on Nov. 19, 2024 Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BMI

Nashville authorities have identified country singer Conner Smith as the driver in a fatal pedestrian accident that resulted in the death of a 77-year-old woman over the weekend.

Dorothy Dobbins was struck at around 7:30 p.m. on June 8 as she was walking her dog across a marked crosswalk on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood.

Police say Smith, 24, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck along 3rd Avenue North when the accident occurred. Dobbins, who lived in the area, was taken to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

“The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian,” according to a statement issued by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. “He showed no signs of impairment. There are no charges at present as the investigation continues.”

The day before the accident, Smith—a Nashville native who released his debut studio album, “Smoky Mountains,” in January 2024—performed at the 2025 CMA Fest, held at Music City’s Nissan Stadium.

Smith’s attorney, Worrick G. Robinson, could not immediately be reached for comment. However, Robinson told E! News that Smith “continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”

“His heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time,” the attorney said.

Germantown residents like Gina Brown have long raised concerns about the safety of neighborhood crosswalks. Brown told local news outlet WSMV that the crosswalk on 3rd Avenue North has become increasingly dangerous for pedestrians.

“It is just sad all the way around, and it could have been avoidable,” Brown said, explaining that signage for the crosswalk is partially obscured by trees.

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

During a Metro Traffic & Parking Commission meeting on Monday, Metro Council Member Jacob Kupin acknowledged the safety concerns surrounding the local crosswalk, describing Dobbins as “a dear friend.”

“She was walking her dog in a crosswalk across the street to a brand new dog park that the Metro Water Services recently put in. She should have been safe,” Kupin said in part.

“I have been working for months with the Department of Transportation on raised crosswalks and other safety infrastructure there. This is something we knew was an issue.”