UPDATE: Granger Smith’s wife, Amber, reveals harrowing details of her husband’s near-suicide attempt following their son River’s tragic drowning in 2019. In her upcoming memoir, The Girl on the Bathroom Floor, Amber shares how Granger faced a moment of despair that nearly cost him his life.
Amber recounted the devastating experience, stating, “He put a cold Glock 9mm into his mouth.” This revelation comes as Granger Smith, a former country music star, has been candid about his struggles with grief and depression after the death of their 3-year-old son in a swimming pool accident at their Texas home.
In an excerpt published by People magazine, Amber described Granger’s emotional turmoil following a night out in Boise, Idaho, where he drank heavily with friends. Granger’s overwhelming feelings of guilt and failure as a father resurfaced, leading him to contemplate suicide. He struggled to recall the code to his tour bus, an indication of his disorientation.
Amber detailed how Granger was haunted by visions of River’s final moments, stating, “In a moment of utter despair, he fumbled for the gun he kept in the drawer by his bed.” She expressed her heartbreak at his pain, wishing she could have intervened during that dark night.
Fortunately, Granger experienced a moment of clarity, realizing the voice urging him to pull the trigger was not his own. He cried out, “Jesus, save me!” and subsequently dropped the gun, collapsing on the bathroom floor. Amber shared, “By the sheer grace of God, Granger became aware that he was under attack.”
Granger’s journey from despair to faith has led him to become a minister, and he and Amber have since become advocates for child water safety. They emphasize the importance of preventing similar tragedies, especially in light of their own loss.
In April 2024, Granger announced his retirement from country music, stating that his summer tour, Like A River, named after River, would be his last. He reflected on his near-suicide experience in a recent interview, noting that thoughts of his surviving children, London and Lincoln, helped him choose life over despair.
Amber concluded her emotional account by sharing the ongoing impact of their son’s death on their family. “I cry even typing this,” she wrote, highlighting the enduring struggle with grief and the vital message of hope and faith that has emerged from their darkest times.
Both Granger and Amber continue to work towards raising awareness about children’s safety around water, using their platform to advocate for others in need. This powerful testimony underscores the importance of mental health support and the strength found in faith during life’s most challenging moments.
Stay tuned for more updates on this compelling story that touches on the depths of grief and the power of resilience.
