How Did Granger Smith's Son Die? New Details On The Tragic Accident That Claimed 3-Year-Old River's Life
Rest in peace, River Smith.
Instagram Granger Smith is a singer-songwriter who is sometimes known by his alter-ego Earl Dibbles Jr. He's very prolific in the country music scene — but being successful does not inure you from tragedy, as he'd recently found out. How did Granger Smith's son die?
Few things are more tragic than the loss of a child. And Granger Smith not only has gone through that loss, but did so after a very “tragic” accident.
Let’s look at what we know about the death of River Smith, Granger’s 3-year-old son.
1. Granger Smith made the announcement of his son’s death online.
According to Taste of Country, Granger Smith took to the Internet to make the announcement of his son’s death. His statement read as follows:
“Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s 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. 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.”
2. No details of River Smith’s death were released.
While Granger Smith made clear that his son died of a “tragic accident,” no further details about the accident were released. According to People Magazine, the outlet had reached out to the police in Austin, TX, where the family resides to get more information. However, they had no comment at the time the story went to press.
3. He’s asking his fans to donate to Dell Children’s Medical Center in lieu of gifts or flowers.
According to The Tennessean, Granger Smith has told his followers that, in lieu of gifts or flowers, to please donate to the Dell Children’s Medical Center in Texas “so that other children can have a chance at life.” He also didn’t release any details about any funeral arrangements made on River’s behalf.
4. Country music’s biggest celebrities came out in support of Granger Smith.
According to Us Weekly, when word got out about River’s untimely passing, the world of country music came out in support of one of their own. Country superstar Kane Smith tweeted his support of his friend, while Maren Morris promised to “be there” for the family if they needed anything. Tributes to young River have been pouring in from all over the world.
Our thoughts are with Granger Smith and his family during what is undoubtedly a difficult time.
Bernadette Giacomazzo is an editor, writer, and photographer whose work has appeared in People, Teen Vogue, Us Weekly, The Source, XXL, HipHopDX, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Post, and more. She is also the author of The Uprising series. Find her online at www.bernadettegiacomazzo.com and www.longlivetheuprising.com.