Country Singer Granger Smith’s Son River Kelly Smith Dies in Accident: ‘Our Family Is Devastated’
Our hearts go out to Granger Smith, his wife, actress Amber Bartlett, and the rest of his family. On Thursday, June 6, the country singer shared with fans that his youngest son, River Kelly, died after a tragic accident. He broke the news on Twitter, revealing in an emotional statement that he and his wife made the difficult decision to say goodbye and donate his organs. Admitting they are “devastated and heartbroken,” the family mourned his passing.
“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” Granger, 39, wrote on Twitter. “We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctors’ 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.”
Mourning his son, the singer continued, “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.”
The star went on to ask family, friends and fans to “send donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name” instead of flowers or gifts. “The doctors, nurses and staff have been incredible,” he wrote.” Amber shared her own heartbreaking tribute, posting a selfie she’d taken with her son. “Nothing can prepare a mother to deliver this kind of news,” she wrote before sharing the same statement as her husband.
The couple is taking some time away to mourn their loss together. According to Kansas City, Missouri’s Fox4, the singer canceled a concert he was supposed to perform the night of Thursday, June 6. He was scheduled to sing at a Miller Lite Hot Country Nights event hosted by radio station Q104 KC. Instead, singer Jerrod Niemann will take the stage. The venue, Kansas City Live!, first broke the news on Wednesday, June 5, citing a “family emergency” for the swap. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Granger and his family. More details to be announced soon,” wrote KC Live on Facebook. The radio station shared a similar sentiment. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Granger and his family during this tragic time. 🙏”
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