How Granger and Amber Smith’s Children Coped with the Loss of Their Brother
Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, are reflecting on how their family coped with an unimaginable loss after their 3-year-old son, River, drowned.
During the Thursday, July 9, episode of the “Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew” podcast, Amber revealed that each family member “grieved differently” following River’s tragic death in 2019. (Granger, 46, and Amber, 44, also have London, 14, and Lincoln, 12, and welcomed their fourth child, Maverick, in August 2021.)
“We lost our son River to a drowning in our backyard, and as you can imagine, for a mom and dad, it turned our world upside down. We questioned whether our family would survive, if our marriage would endure, and if we would ever find joy again,” Amber shared.
She continued, “Thus, we navigated our grief and pain together, but very differently. Our children also grieved in their own unique ways.”
Amber mentioned that she was in the early stages of her faith journey during River’s passing, having just begun attending Bible studies and church. She explained how her faith aided her in navigating grief.
“I held onto small pieces of scripture in my heart, so when I found myself on that bathroom floor, crying and grieving so deeply, I knew I didn’t want to remain there,” she expressed. “I had a husband and two other children who depended on me, so I turned to the Lord, seeking light and hope.”
In June 2019, Granger shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram about their son’s passing.
“I have to deliver unthinkable news,” the country artist wrote on Instagram at that time. “We’ve lost our youngest son, River Kelly Smith. Following a tragic accident, and despite the best efforts of doctors, he could not be revived. Amber and I chose to say our last goodbyes and donate his organs so that other children could have a second chance at life. Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we find solace knowing he is with his Heavenly Father.”
The “Backroad Song” artist reflected: “River was special. Anyone who met him felt it instantly. The joy he brought into our lives is beyond words, and his light will forever shine in our hearts. I can’t find the right words to express everything in this moment. Cherish your loved ones. There hasn’t been a more difficult time for us than this.”
