This news just hurts the heart as Country music star Granger Smith’s son, River, passed away at 3-years-old. In a statement provided to People, a rep for the star confirmed River’s cause of death as a “tragic drowning accident at home.” Granger Smith and his family endured an unimaginable tragedy when River Kelly Smith passed away in a drowning accident in June of 2019. This devastating incident not only shattered the Smith family but also resonated deeply with fans and the broader country music community, shedding light on water safety and the fragility of life.
“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. 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,” Granger shared via social media.
In honor of River, the family asked that donations be made to central Texas’ Dell Children’s Medical Center in his name. At the time, Granger and Amber are also the parents of 7-year-old daughter, London, and 5-year-old son, Lincoln. Our hearts go out to the Smith family.
Honoring Granger Smith’s Son River’s Legacy
In the wake of the tragedy, the Smith family channeled their grief into honoring River’s memory. They established The River Kelly Fund, a charity aimed at supporting a variety of causes close to their hearts, including water safety education, children’s hospitals, and mental health initiatives. Through this fund, River’s name lives on, inspiring acts of kindness and advocacy.
“We wanted River’s legacy to be about joy, about love, and about giving back,” Granger shared in an emotional statement. “Even in our darkest days, we believe there’s light to be found.”
A Family United in Love
Despite the heartbreak, the Smith family has shown incredible resilience. They welcomed their son Maverick Beckham Smith in August 2021, a reminder of hope and new beginnings. While River’s absence is deeply felt, his memory continues to be a guiding force in their lives.
The tragic loss of Granger Smith’s son, River Kelly Smith, is a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of cherishing every moment. Through their advocacy, transparency, and unwavering love, the Smith family has transformed their pain into purpose. River’s light shines on, reminding us all to hold our loved ones a little closer and to find strength in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Granger Smith’s song “Heaven Bound Balloons” is a deeply emotional and poignant track that resonates with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics and touching theme. The song tells the story of releasing balloons into the sky, symbolizing messages sent to loved ones who have passed away. Its narrative captures the bittersweet mix of grief and hope, as those left behind find comfort in imagining their messages reaching heaven. The gentle melody and Smith’s earnest delivery amplify the song’s sentimental impact, making it a tribute to the enduring bond between the living and those they’ve lost.
Heaven Bound Balloons Video
“Heaven Bound Balloons” Lyrics
I saw them sitting with their legs crossed in their backyard
The kids had magic markers writing on balloons
They let one go and watched it sail above the treetops
So I went outside to see what they were doing
They said daddy we’ve been sending notes to grandpa
I just smiled, sat down and said, “Mind if I join y’all?”
We wrote “We miss you and we love you”
Told him things are great down here
We spelled it out and sent it up
And we watched it disappear
Sometimes I guess you gotta see it to believe it
‘Cause right then I knew those blue sky prayers were getting through
When we let go of those heaven bound balloons
Before we knew it I swear we’d made at least a dozen
One for everyone we wished were here but wasn’t
There was a red one for our labrador named Rio
And a blue one too, miss Ruth who used to live just down the road
We wrote “We miss you and we love you”
Told ’em things are great down here
We spelled it out and sent it up
And we watched it disappear
Sometimes I guess you gotta see it to believe it
‘Cause right then I knew those blue sky prayers were getting through
When we let go of those heaven bound balloons
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Yeah I know that I’ll be sitting up there someday
Don’t forget to send a couple of ’em my way
Say miss you and we love you”
Tell me things are great down here
Just spell it out and send it up
And we watch it disappear
Sometimes I guess you gotta see it to believe it
‘Cause right then I knew those blue sky prayers were getting through
When we let go of those heaven bound balloons
Let go of those heaven bound balloons
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Whoa-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
