Granger Smith: Country singer's three-year-old son River Kelly dies in 'tragic accident'
Family asks donations be sent to children's hospital in lieu of gifts or flowers
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Granger Smith’s three-year-old son River has died.
The country singer and songwriter shared the “unthinkable” news on social media, where he revealed his youngest son, who he shares with wife Amber, died following an accident.
“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” Smith wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of himself and his son. “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.”
Smith added that while his family was “devastated and heartbroken,” they are taking “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,” the father-of-three wrote. “Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this.”
The 39-year-old concluded the post by asking donations be sent to Dell Children’s Medical Centre in Austin, Texas, in River’s name in lieu of flowers or gifts.
Smith’s wife Amber also shared her own tribute to River on social media, writing that “nothing can prepare a mother to deliver this kind of news”.
The three-year-old had celebrated his third birthday last month. The couple also have a seven-year-old daughter London and a five-year-old son Lincoln.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments