Country Singer Granger Smith Opens Up in Candid, Emotional Post About Three-Year-Old Son’s Tragic Death

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Country singer Granger Smith recently opened up about how he and his family are coping after his three-year-old son, River, tragically died in June after a drowning accident at the family’s home.

Though both Granger and his wife, Amber, have made a few statements since the tragedy, the couple has mostly been quiet in their grief. Now, however, Granger is opening up three months later, saying “Life is a storm.”

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I haven’t said much on socials lately. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, it’s more that most things just don’t seem important enough to share. We all know that social media has become a mask…a highlight reel per say, that we can hide behind and appear to promote our best moments of our best days. Eh…that stuff doesn’t matter. That’s why I enjoy continuing The Smiths channel on YouTube because I can turn on the camera and talk like we’re just friends in the same room. No mask. Amber has continued to post on her socials and I’m blown away by her ability to be so real, raw and engaging in her captions and pictures. Once upon a time I had the way with words in our relationship, but now I’m letting her speak for us both. We certainly see the world with our masks off now. Each night I find myself looking out at faces in our crowd and thinking about all the different stories…all the hidden struggles. We need each other. . Sorry for the random ranting. Needless to say, I still have to pay bills, promote a tour and promote a lifestyle brand/ apparel line. And I’ll get back to talking about that one day. (I love Yee Yee Apparel too much not to.) All that said, know this: Life is a storm. Realizing that makes it easier to be grateful for the rays of sunshine.

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Smith posted on Instagram for the first time in a month to let fans know that he was still there, but had been taking a break from posting on social media after his son’s death.

“I haven’t said much on socials lately. It’s not that I don’t have anything to say, it’s more that most things just don’t seem important enough to share,” he wrote in the emotional caption.

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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. . . 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.

A post shared by Granger Smith (@grangersmith) on

“We all know that social media has become a mask…a highlight reel per say, that we can hide behind and appear to promote our best moments of our best days. Eh…that stuff doesn’t matter.”

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We’ve been on quite the journey these past few weeks. I’ve been dark on social media, but I still have a full understanding of the responsibility placed upon me as a public figure. I can choose to snuff that influence, or instead use my platform (in relevancy big or small) towards what I believe is right. I believe I’m obligated on certain levels to include you guys in my current journey, as I’ve been involved either personally or musically in yours. – The finality and mortality brought on by death makes life feel fragile. It can weaken, terrify and separate those close to it. But it can also awaken us. It can remind us never to take a moment with those we love for granted. – In my house, we have united stronger and closer than we’ve ever been. We’ve cried. We’ve smiled. I’ve held my family tight. I’ve found strength from God and used that in the face of adversity so that my wife and children can rely on me. I’ve guarded my heart and my mind during weak moments and graciously accepted all of the encouragement and empathy from so many. I have realized that I will not slave over a search for answers, but instead for meaning. I will focus and then cultivate the light from a dark place, the good from the bad, God’s will from my own plans. I can rest assured knowing that River’s assignment on earth was always intended for 1116 days and not only did he live it to the fullest, but he lived it loved by so many, including a mother, father, sister and brother who held nothing back and have no regrets on how much he felt that love. We should all be so blessed to be able to live like Riv. – Amber and I want you to hear it from us and not just read it, so we made this little video for you to watch. (Link in bio)Thank you for all the love, prayers and support. We feel it!

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Smith told fans that while he hasn’t been as active on Instagram, he continues to post on the family’s YouTube channel because he can “turn on the camera and talk like we’re just friends in the same room.”

His wife Amber has continued to use social media, often commenting on how thankful she is for the couple’s son Lincoln Monarch, 5, and daughter, London, 7. She has also uses the platforms to connect with other parents who have suffered unthinkable losses.

Smith ended his post by saying, “All that said, know this: Life is a storm. Realizing that makes it easier to be grateful for the rays of sunshine.”

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Missing my baby so much ❤️. People keep saying, “you’re so strong” “how are you functioning?” “I wouldn’t be able to get out of bed.” I am broken. My heart will never be the same. I will never be the same. Yes, I have strong moments, but I also (as any grieving mother would do) cry, scream, question, and fall to my knees. Then I get back up and fight. I just want to share my journey with all of you because it will be a long road, and if we can help at least one person going through something like this, then it is worth it to me to be open about my feelings, my faith, my struggles. To any of you experiencing a loss of any kind (and maybe I’m just trying to remind myself here) – You can do this. You can grieve and still be strong for your family, husband and or other kiddos. Lean in to Him in your weakness and learn to not beat yourself up (like I do) when you are having a moment of calm. Shut out the negative and focus on the light and the love. ???? Be kind to those around you. Before you choose to judge or tear down, always try to encourage or lift people up. That person next to you, that car in front of you, that woman down the street, that man in your office, those kiddos in the store, you never know what kind of trials they are facing. Thank you all again for sharing your stories of loss with me, for lifting my family up through prayers and encouragement. YOU are the reasons for my strength at times and I’m so grateful. ♥️

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Our thoughts continue to be with the Smith family at this difficult time.

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