Country Singer Conner Smith Involved in Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Nashville
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country music artist Conner Smith, 24, was behind the wheel in a tragic accident Sunday night that claimed the life of Dorothy “Dot” Dobbins, a 77-year-old retired attorney and longtime resident of Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the incident occurred on 3rd Avenue North near Van Buren Street, where Dobbins was reportedly walking her dog and crossing the street within a marked crosswalk. Smith, driving a pickup truck, struck Dobbins, failing to yield the right-of-way. Police confirmed that no signs of impairment were observed in Smith at the scene.
Dobbins was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her dog, Angel, was unharmed and is now in the care of neighbors.
Smith, a Nashville native, had recently performed at CMA Fest and is signed to Big Machine Records’ Valory label. His debut album, Smoky Mountains, released in 2024, earned him a nomination for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards. He is also featured on the Twisters movie soundtrack and has toured with country star Luke Bryan.
In a statement released through his attorney, Worrick Robinson, Smith expressed his condolences:
“Conner’s heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Smith is reportedly cooperating fully with investigators. As of Tuesday, no charges have been filed, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Community Demands Action Over Crosswalk Safety
The tragedy has sparked renewed concern and frustration among Germantown residents, many of whom say pedestrian safety has long been an issue in the area.
Local resident Gina Brown, who regularly walks in the neighborhood, was visibly shaken as she described the dangers of the very same crosswalk where Dobbins was killed.
“Did you see how they barely stopped?” Brown said after waving down traffic to cross 3rd Avenue. “It’s heartbreaking—and it was avoidable.”
Brown and others point to poor signage and low visibility as major problems. Crosswalk warning signs, residents say, are too close to the intersection and partially blocked by trees—giving drivers little time to react.
Speaking at a Metro Traffic and Parking Commission meeting on Monday, Councilmember Jacob Kupin called for immediate improvements, saying,
“All Nashville crosswalks need clear, visible signage to alert drivers and reduce speed.”
Resident Robert Kelly added:
“If the city has no plans to enforce traffic laws or protect pedestrians, they may as well remove the crosswalks altogether.”
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved neighbor, calls for change grow louder. Dorothy Dobbins was remembered by friends as sharp, kind-hearted, and deeply rooted in the Germantown community.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department.
