Georgia coach Kirby Smart's father, Sonny Smart, passed away early Saturday due to complications from hip surgery following a fall in New Orleans before the Sugar Bowl, as announced by the school.
Sonny Smart, a respected high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, suffered a fall on New Year's Eve, resulting in a fractured hip. He underwent hip surgery at Ochsner Medical Center but unfortunately succumbed to his condition, surrounded by his family. The statement released by Georgia did not disclose his age.
The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, which was postponed by a day due to a tragic incident where a man drove a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's Eve celebrants in the French Quarter, resulting in 14 fatalities and around 30 injuries.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Kirby Smart's Bulldogs faced Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal, ultimately losing 23-10 on Thursday.
Sonny Smart was unable to attend the 2023 national title game where Georgia triumphed over TCU 65-7 to secure back-to-back national championships due to health concerns. Prior to his health issues, he regularly attended his son's games since Kirby took over as head coach at his alma mater in 2016.
Survived by his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall, Sonny Smart was a pivotal figure in Kirby's football journey, having coached him during his high school years.
The Smart family expressed their deep appreciation to the medical staff at Ochsner hospital for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. They also requested ongoing prayers for all those impacted by the tragic events that unfolded on New Year's Day.
In their statement, the Smart family conveyed their gratitude for the thoughts and prayers received and now seek solace, strength, and guidance from God during this difficult time.
For more updates on AP Top 25 and college football news, sign up for poll alerts at AP college football: AP Top 25 College Football Poll and College Football.
