People.com Celebrity Parents Granger Smith's Son River, 3, Dies in 'Tragic Accident': We're 'Devastated and Heartbroken' "In lieu of flowers or gifts," the couple requests that those willing to give "please send donations to Dell Children's Medical Center in River's name" By Jen Juneau Jen Juneau Twitter Jen Juneau is a digital news writer for PEOPLE. A '90s teen and horror film connoisseur, she started at the brand in 2016, after a decade of working as a technical writer and then moonlighting as a journalist beginning in 2013. Originally from New Orleans, Jen grew up both in NOLA and Florida and eventually attended the University of Central Florida in Orlando (still her home base!), where she earned a bachelor's in English/technical communication, with a minor in magazine journalism. People Editorial Guidelines and Sarah Michaud Sarah Michaud Instagram Sarah Michaud is the senior news editor of PEOPLE's music vertical. She has been with the brand for close to 15 years, holding various roles across the digital news team before focusing on music. In 2021, Sarah won the CMA media achievement award for her coverage of country music. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology, social work and English and resides outside of Boston. People Editorial Guidelines Published on June 6, 2019 02:30 PM Share Tweet Pin Email Granger Smith is grieving the loss of his youngest child. The country singer shared the “unthinkable” news on Twitter and Instagram Thursday that his and wife Amber’s 3-year-old son River Kelly died “following a tragic accident” where “despite doctor’s best efforts, he was unable to be revived.” Smith’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE on Thursday that River’s death was due to a drowning accident at home. “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,” Smith wrote, sharing along with a smiley photo of himself and River. “Our family is devastated and heartbroken, but we take solace in knowing he is with his Heavenly Father,” added Smith, who is also father to son Lincoln Monarch, 5, and daughter London, 7. Granger Smith Receives Support from Fellow Country Music Stars After Son’s Tragic Death Granger Smith and son River. Courtesy Smith Family Morgan Miller Gets Emotional Revealing Daughter Was “Resuscitated” But “There Was Too Much Damage” “Riv was special,” he continued. “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,” Granger concluded. “Love the ones close to you. There has never been a more difficult moment for us than this.” Alongside a selfie with her son, Amber shared the same heartbreaking caption, beginning it with, “Nothing can prepare a mother to deliver this kind of news.” “In lieu of flowers or gifts,” the couple requests that those willing to give “please send donations to Dell Children’s Medical Center in River’s name. The doctors, nurses and staff have been incredible.” Texas authorities did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding the incident.