Country singer Granger Smith heartbroken over death of 3-year-old son in 'tragic accident'

7 June 2019, 10:13

Fans across the world have sent messages of support for country star Granger Smith, after his three-year-old son died in a "tragic accident".

The American country singer announced the news on Instagram last night (June 6).

US media has reported that the boy had drowned in a swimming pool in the family's back garden.

The 39-year-old singer shared the “unthinkable news” on Thursday, alongside a photo of him and his son, saying “despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived.”

View this post on Instagram

I have to deliver unthinkable news. We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. 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. . . In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. The doctors, nurses and staff have been incredible.

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on Jun 6, 2019 at 10:47am PDT

“We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith,” he wrote. “Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father.”

Smith added that after the family said their “last goodbyes”, they decided to donate River’s organs so that “other children will be given a second chance at life”.

Various country singers have since shared their condolences to Smith.

Kane Brown wrote: "I'm here for you if you need anything at all bro just hit me up".

Luke Bryan said: "Many prayers. So sorry", and country star Maren Morris added: "I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this time".

Smith and his wife Amber described River as “special” and that “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,” they added. “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.”

Who is Granger Smith?

Granger Smith - Damn Strait (Official Music Video)

Also known by his alter ego Earl Dibbles Jr, Granger Smith is an American country music singer-songwriter from Dallas, Texas.

He has so far released nine studio albums, one live album, and one EP.

Granger married Amber Emily Bartlett on February 11, 2010. They met on the set of a music video, and she has appeared in several of his videos since then.

The couple are also parents to a daughter and a son, London Smith and Lincoln Monarch Smith.