Country singer Granger Smith delivered heartbreaking news on June 6. His 3-year-old son, River Kelly, died after a drowning accident.
He wrote on Instagram, “Following a tragic accident, and despite doctor’s best efforts, [River] 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.”
The “Backroad Song” singer continued, “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.”
Granger, 39, and wife Amber asked for donations to the Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. They also have two other children, daughter London, 7, and son Lincoln, 5.
Fellow musicians and celebrities came forward with tributes for River and and Granger family.
1 of 11

Jason Aldean commented, “I can’t imagine what y’all are going through. Praying for you and your family, brother. We are heartbroken for you guys.”
Photo credit: MEGA
2 of 11

3 of 11

Maren Morris added, “I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this time.”
Photo credit: MEGA
4 of 11

Dan + Shay wrote, “Heartbroken for you and your family. Sending all the love. ❤️.”
Photo credit: MEGA
5 of 11

Kane Brown commented, “I’m here for you if you need anything at all bro just hit me up ??.”
Photo credit: MEGA
6 of 11

Cassadee Pope said, “I’m so sorry. Sending love to you and your family.”
Photo credit: MEGA
10 of 11

Jake Owen wrote, “Man I’m am so sorry to hear this for you and your family. You are such a great, hardworking, kind human being and I know how much your family means to you. Wow. I can’t imagine what y’all are going through. Prayers to you and your family.”
Photo credit: MEGA
11 of 11

Russell Dickerson said, “Love you guys bro. Praying for God’s amazing peace like only he can bring. Love y’all so much buddy.”
Photo credit: MEGA
Jason Aldean commented, “I can’t imagine what y’all are going through. Praying for you and your family, brother. We are heartbroken for you guys.”
Maren Morris added, “I am so, so sorry. Thinking of you and your family at this time.”
Dan + Shay wrote, “Heartbroken for you and your family. Sending all the love. ❤️.”
Kane Brown commented, “I’m here for you if you need anything at all bro just hit me up ??.”
Cassadee Pope said, “I’m so sorry. Sending love to you and your family.”
Actor
Jordan Fisher tweeted, “Absolutely devastated and heartbroken for @GrangerSmith and his beautiful family. So much love and many many prayers for peace over you guys at this time.”
Dancing With The Stars winner Bobby Bones said, “Thinking about you @GrangerSmith . love you man. so sorry to hear what you are going through. My listeners feel the same. Lots and lots of love coming from us.”
Singer Brandy Clark said, “Thoughts and prayers with @GrangerSmith and his family ?? Such a nice and humble guy every time I’ve ever been around him and you hate for anyone to be going through something like this, but especially someone like Granger.”
Jake Owen wrote, “Man I’m am so sorry to hear this for you and your family. You are such a great, hardworking, kind human being and I know how much your family means to you. Wow. I can’t imagine what y’all are going through. Prayers to you and your family.”
Russell Dickerson said, “Love you guys bro. Praying for God’s amazing peace like only he can bring. Love y’all so much buddy.”