What Happened to Granger Smiths Son? How Did Granger Smiths Son Die?
by Kowsalya
Updated Apr 17, 2023
What Happened to Granger Smiths Son?
In 2019, the Smith family was outside their home when River, who was 3, slipped through their pool gate and entered the water. Even though he was pulled out of the pool shortly afterward, River had been deprived of oxygen for too long and later died. Smith said in the years since grief has been a "messy" yet "hopeful" journey for both her and her family.
"It's looked like anger and severe sadness and frustration and confusion but it's also looked like growing through it and seeing joy in my other children and seeing them thrive in school and bringing awareness to drowning prevention," the mom of four told co-hosts Hayley Hubbard and Jessica Diamond on the Meaning Full Living podcast.
How Did Granger Smiths Son Die?
Granger Smith's 3-year-old son, River Kelly Smith, died in a drowning accident at the family's home in Texas in 2019. According to reports, the accident occurred when River was playing outside near a pool while his mother, Amber, was inside the house.
When she went outside to check on him, she found him unresponsive in the pool. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later. The family has since shared their story to raise awareness about water safety and the importance of vigilance around water, particularly when young children are present.
Who is Granger Smith?
Granger Smith is an American country music singer, songwriter, and musician. He was born on September 4, 1979, in Dallas, Texas, and grew up in a small town outside of Dallas called Waxahachie. Granger began performing at a young age and formed his first band in high school.
He released his debut album, "Waiting on Forever," in 1999, and went on to release several more albums over the years. Some of his most popular songs include "Backroad Song," "If the Boot Fits," "Happens Like That," and "City Boy Stuck."
Granger has also gained a large following on social media and YouTube, where he often shares his music and life with fans. In addition to his music career, Granger is known for his alter ego, "Earl Dibbles Jr.," a character he created to poke fun at country music stereotypes. Earl Dibbles Jr. has become a fan favorite and even has his own line of merchandise.
Who is Granger Smith's Wife?
Granger Smith's wife is Amber Bartlett. They married on February 11, 2010, and have four children together, including River Kelly Smith, who tragically died in a drowning accident in 2019. Amber is also a writer, and has co-written several of Granger's songs, including "Don't Listen to the Radio" and "The Country Boy Song."
She is known for her supporting role in Granger's music career and often appears in his music videos and on his social media channels. Since the loss of their son, Amber, and Granger have been vocal advocates for water safety and have worked to raise awareness about the importance of supervision around water, particularly with young children.
Granger Smith Bio
NAME
Granger Kelly Smith
AGE
43 years
DATE OF BIRTH
September 4, 1979
BORN COUNTRY
Dallas, Texas
OCCUPATIONS
Singer-songwriter, radio host, minister
INSTRUMENT
Vocals, guitar
CHILDREN
4 Including River
SPOUSE
Amber Bartlett
DETAILS
SPECIFICATIONS
What Happened to Granger Smiths Son - FAQs
Granger Smith's 3-year-old son, River Kelly Smith, died in a drowning accident at the family's home in Texas in 2019.
River Kelly Smith was 3 years old when he died.
River Kelly Smith died on June 6, 2019.
River Kelly Smith drowned in a pool at the family's home in Texas.
In honor of their son's memory, Granger Smith and his wife Amber established the River Kelly Fund, which supports organizations that focus on children's needs, education, and the arts. They have also become advocates for water safety and have worked to raise awareness about the importance of supervision around water, particularly with young children. Additionally, Granger released a song called "That's Why I Love Dirt Roads," which includes a tribute to his son in the lyrics.