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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 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Friday 07 June 2019 07:55 BST
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Granger Smith spends day with his son River Kelly

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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”.

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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.

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