What happened to Granger Smith’s son River?
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THE SMITH family has been vocal about grief after facing a devastating tragedy.

River Riley Smith passed away at the age of three in June 2019.

River Riley Smith and Amber Bartlett Smith

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River Riley Smith and Amber Bartlett SmithCredit: amberemilysmith/Instagram

What happened to Granger Smith’s son River?

On June 4, 2019, River died in a drowning accident at the Smith family’s Texas home.

Granger shared the heartbreaking news in an Instagram post on June 6.

The former country music star wrote: “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.

Inside Granger Smith and his wife's grief after son River died aged 3
Granger Smith and wife expecting baby boy 21 months after son River's death

“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.”

As USA Today reported, Granger and his wife Amber Bartlett Smith — who also share an 11-year-old daughter named London, as well as sons Lincoln Monarch, nine, and Maverick Beckham, one — shared a YouTube video discussing the tragedy on June 19, 2019.

Granger — who announced his departure from country music on April 11, 2023 — said: “We are going to search for every bit of good we can find in this situation, the worst situation we have ever been through. That’s my commitment to River’s legacy.”

He then discussed what happened on the day of River’s death, saying: “I was outside playing with London. We were doing gymnastics in the yard and the boys were doing a water gun fight.

“I remember thinking … ‘Soak up this moment because it’s not going to last forever.’ Somewhere between 30 seconds and three minutes, we don’t know, Amber and I are inside our pool gate doing CPR on our son.”

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Granger then discussed how he and Amber believe that River’s “mission” from God was to be on Earth for three years.

He continued: “I don’t believe that God takes anyone too soon. I’m not going to play around my mind this fictitious timeline of River graduating from college, or high school, or playing football, because I believe he was put on this Earth for that exact amount of time.”

The couple then expressed that “the most important thing that we want to say and the reason we’re doing this video is that we are committed to each other, our family, our kids, and our faith.”

How did Granger Smith and Amber Bartlett Smith explain River’s death to their other children?

Amber has spoken about being “honest” with her other children amidst River’s death.

As PEOPLE reported, the grieving mother opened up about the difficult topic during a June 2022 appearance on Hayley Hubbard and Jessica Diamond’s Meaning Full Living podcast.

When discussing telling Lincoln and London about their brother’s passing, she said: “We had to be very honest from the very beginning. We went home with that intention of being very honest… We said, ‘River was without oxygen for too long. They did everything that they could but Bubbie died.’

“And then we let them process their emotions and told them that whatever they’re feeling… it’s OK.”

What is The River Kelly Fund?

Following River’s tragic passing, Granger and Amber began The River Kelly Fund in honor of their late son.

The fund “is founded on one of the simplest, yet most impactful purposes in life: illuminating love and joy in this present moment.

“We hope to shine our light on those that provide support and bring awareness to causes including children in need, arts and education, wildlife preservation, military, veteran and first responder assistance, donor affiliations and many more organizations close to our hearts.

“The objective of the River Kelly Fund is to seek out and determine areas of need and invest in those most affected. By donating to the River Kelly Fund, you are not only spreading joy, but also transforming lives for the better. We have one life to live and we hope to live it with purpose, gratitude and compassion.”

Those interested in making a donation to the fund can click on the “Donate Today” tab on the website’s page.

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