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Conner Smith is embracing a “new beginning.”
The country star returned to the stage on Thursday, July 31, at the Grand Ole Opry, less than two months after he was involved in a deadly crosswalk car accident.
“I’ve found in the darkest of moments, the Lord is so much closer than ever before. He was better than I could ever imagine every step of the way,” Smith, 24, told the crowd, per Fox News. “He was kinder than I could ever imagine. He was more of a defender than I could ever imagine in my heart.”
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The “Country in the Cloud” singer also called his first show back a “new beginning in every way” in a Substack post shared the night before his appearance at the Opry.
“A restart, a second chance, an opportunity for purpose through the trials I’ve now known. My heart is filled with thankfulness because of that truth. The truth that I now get a chance to begin again, having seen the things that truly matter in life.”
On June 8, Smith allegedly struck and killed 77-year-old Dorothy Dobbins with his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck as she walked within a crosswalk in Nashville. Dobbins was brought to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where she died, per the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
“The preliminary contributing factor for this crash appears to be Smith failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian. He showed no signs of impairment,” the police department said at the time, noting that there were “no charges at present as the investigation continues.”
The incident took place on the final day of the annual CMA Fest.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Smith’s attorney said that the country singer’s “heart goes out to Ms. Dobbins’ family during this incredibly difficult time. Mr. Smith continues to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.”
Less than two weeks after the accident, Smith pulled out of a show in Akron, Ohio to “process recent events.”
“As Conner Smith takes time to privately process recent events, he will unfortunately not be performing in Akron on June 20. We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this difficult time,” his team said about his exiting the Military Appreciation Concert at Firestone Country Club, per WKYC.
On July 10, Smith was issued a misdemeanor citation, per a press release from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. “Officers found no evidence of impairment or distracted driving on the part of Smith,” the statement added.
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Smith is due to appear in court for the citation on Thursday, Aug. 7,
Through the remainder of the summer and fall, Smith has several events lined up throughout the U.S.
