- Georgia were in Louisiana to take on Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff
The father of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart has passed away following a fall earlier this week, the school announced on Saturday.
Smart’s father, Sonny, fell and broke his hip during the day on December 31 while in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, and would later pass away from surgery complications, according to a statement from Georgia.
Sonny, 76, passed away on Saturday morning at 12:15 a.m while surrounded by his family.
‘Sonny fell while walking during the day on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans and fractured his hip,’ the school said.
‘He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery; unfortunately, complications arose. He fought valiantly but was unable to overcome his injuries.
‘The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny,’ the statement continued.
Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny, passed away after complications from hip surgery
Georgia lost 23-10 to Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl on January 2 in New Orleans
‘Additionally, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
‘The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.’
Sonny’s fall and eventual death are unrelated to the terror attack that took place in New Orleans early in the morning of January 1, when a man driving a truck rammed his vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street and killed 15 people.
Many, including SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, have offered their condolences to the Smart family following Sonny’s death.
‘Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing,’ Sankey said on X.
‘I had the privilege to visit with Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation. Our sympathies go out to Kirby Smart and his family and to all who knew his dad.’
According to AL.com, Sonny was a native of Columbia, Ala. and a high school football coach in Georgia.
He reportedly posted an overall record of 90-78-1 while coaching at Bainbridge High and Rabun County High.
Before that, he coached at Alabama’s Holtville High School and played college football at Samford University, per ESPN.
