Already have an account?
Get back to the

Country Singer Granger Smith’s 3-Year-Old Son River Dies in ‘Tragic Accident’

Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, lost their son, River, when the 3-year-old died in a “tragic accident.”

Related: Celebrity Deaths in 2019: Stars We've Lost

“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” the country singer, 39, wrote on Instagram on Thursday, June 6. “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.”

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

The “Backroad Song” singer added: “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.”

Related: Most Shocking Celebrity Deaths of All Time

Granger shared a father-son photo with the social media upload. In the sweet shot, the Texas native was face-to-face with River, both of them wearing matching smiles.

View this post on Instagram

Nothing can prepare a mother to deliver this kind of 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. Granger 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, we 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 Amber Smith (@amberemilysmith) on

Country singers showed their support after the tragedy with kind comments. “I’m here for you if you need anything at all bro just hit me up,” Kane Brown wrote, while Maren Morris added, “I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this time.”

Amber, 37, shared their story on Instagram as well, along with a selfie. She sat outside with her baby boy in her lap.

Granger-Smith-son-River-death
Granger Smith visits Music Choice at Music Choice on August 16, 2018 in New York City. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Related: Celebrities Who Had Babies Back-to-Back

The couple, who tied the knot in 2010, welcomed their daughter, London, one year later. She became a big sister when Lincoln, now 5, was born in 2014. River arrived two years later.

Got a Tip form close button
Got a tip for US?
We're All Ears for Celebrity Buzz!