Singer Granger Smith’s Rep Confirms 3-Year-Old Son River Died in ‘Tragic Drowning Accident’

On Thursday, June 6, country singer Granger Smith broke the heart-wrenching news that his youngest son, River Kelly, had died in a tragic accident. Now, a rep for the singer confirmed to Us Weekly that the 3-year-old’s cause of death was an accidental drowning at the star’s home in Georgetown, Texas. Though they didn’t share any information about what happened, the toddler’s parents both posted emotional tributes to him on social media.

“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” Granger, 39, wrote on Twitter earlier in the day. “We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite doctors’ 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.”

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Granger’s wife, actress Amber Bartlett, shared the same sentiment in her own post. “Riv was special,” she shared. “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 the wake of the news, celebrities rushed to share their love and sympathies with the family, including volleyball player Morgan Beck Miller. In the summer of 2018, the star lost one of her children with Olympian ski racer Bode Miller. The couple’s daughter, Emeline, drowned in a neighbor’s pool at just 19 months old. When Morgan heard the news about Granger’s son, she shared his Instagram post to her Story, writing, “My heart breaks. Another baby gone too soon.”

After the Miller family’s loss, they became advocates for teaching young children to swim, including their own then-six-month-old son. “Being a parent is inherently scary,” Bode said in April 2019. “You’re worried about your food or your screen time or whatever, but the number one thing that can take your child, where none of that stuff is relevant, is drowning.” Morgan continued to share that important message after sharing her love for the Smith family. “It can truly happen to anyone,” she said.