The father of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart has passed away, 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 passed away on Saturday morning at 12:15 a.m while surrounded by his family.
‘The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny,’ the statement read.
‘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.’
Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny, passed away after complications from hip surgery
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.’
More to follow
