Country singer Granger Smith and his wife Amber have posted a lengthy video to YouTube regarding the tragic loss of their son, River, updating fans on how the family is coping and offering details about events surrounding the three year old’s death.
Sitting side by side in the vulnerable clip, titled Finding Light In Our Darkest Time, the Smith’s first thank fans, the country music community and more for their support. They go on to note that over $100,000 has been raised for the hospital which cared for River, before Smith recounts what happened on that fateful day.
“It was actually a night just like this,” the singer says, choking back tears. “I was outside playing with [daughter] London doing gymnastics in the yard, and the boys were playing water gun fight. I was looking at London as she was doing gymnastics and I remember thinking … ‘Soak up this moment, because it’s not going to last forever.’ Somewhere between 30 seconds and three mintues, we dont know, Amber and I are inside our pool gate doing CPR on our son.”
The Smiths also explain that their faith has carried them through this trying time, and that as difficult as the situation has been, they choose to view River’s “1,000 days” on Earth as a blessing.
“If you could live those days barefoot, red hair flying back on your tractor full speed ahead, if you could do that with your family around you, with no real care in the world — that’s a good way to live,” he says. “That’s a huge example for me and how we’re going to look at every single day.”
River was rushed to Dell Childrens Medical Center in Austin, Texas, following the accident, but despite doctor’s best efforts was not able to be revived. He passed away two days later on June 6, 2019.
“Don’t feel sorry for us. We feel very blessed. We had an incredible boy for three years and we feel good about that,” the couple say, before the video ends with a montage of photos and videos which was shown at River’s funeral. “When you think of River we want you to smile.”
Smith says he will return to road, as music has always been his way of healing. The family also raised more than $100,000 for the Children’s Hospital with a T-shirt fundraiser in River’s honor.
