Health
Granger Smith Opens Up About Loss and Healing
Health Points
- Grief after a tragic loss can have profound effects on mental well-being.
- Support from loved ones and professional resources can make a difference during crisis.
- Finding purpose and healing can be a journey after devastating events.
Amber Smith’s new memoir reveals the deep pain her husband, Granger Smith, faced after the loss of their young son River in 2019. She shares how he struggled with intense sorrow that led to a critical moment, but ultimately found strength to continue on.
Recounting that night, Amber describes her husband’s emotional turmoil alone after a concert, where memories and self-blame became overwhelming.
“Visions of River facedown in the pool assaulted his thoughts and lies pierced his conscience that he was a failure as a father, that he had let River down.”
In a period of despair, Amber writes that Granger reached for a gun kept for safety while on the road, overcome by pain.
“That night my sweet, incredible husband, the wonderful father of my kids, put a cold Glock 9mm into his mouth.”
Amber explains that Granger experienced a moment of clarity, realizing the despairing thoughts were not his own, and turned to prayer for help.
She writes that after reaching out in prayer, his distress lessened, the gun slipped from his hand, and he eventually fell asleep on the bathroom floor.
The following morning, Granger texted Amber about his nightmare, but he only revealed the full extent of his struggle years later.
Granger spoke candidly about reaching his lowest point and how it changed the course of his life and career, as shown in his 2023 memoir and the couple’s video reflections.
The Smiths have been open about their heartbreak and their decision to seek therapy, and Granger later pursued a new path as a minister.
If you or someone you know needs support, help is available. Reach out for assistance or talk to someone you trust—your mental well-being matters at every stage of life.
