NEW ORLEANS, La. — University of Georgia Head Football Coach Kirby Smart’s father has died days after breaking his hip during a fall, UGA Athletics confirmed in a statement.
Sonny Smart died at 12:15 a.m. on Saturday surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and three children: Karl, Kirby and Kendall.
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He fell while walking in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve and fractured his hip. He underwent hip surgery, but complications arose, the statement read.
“The Smart family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. 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,” the statement read.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, who is from Athens, shared a statement on X saying Sonny Smart “embodied the values and strength that we should all wish to have.”
Marty, the girls, and I are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Sonny Smart. An incredible father and husband and a great coach in his own right, he was a constant presence at Georgia football games along with his wife Sharon. Sonny embodied the values and strength that we…
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 4, 2025
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The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and Notre Dame Fighting Irish that was scheduled for New Year’s Day.
The Sugar Bowl was rescheduled for Jan. 2 after a terror attack in New Orleans claimed the lives of 14 victims and injured dozens more.
Georgia lost to Notre Dame 23-10, ending their playoff run and season.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey shared his sympathies with the Smart family.
Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing. 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.
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) January 4, 2025
The University of Georgia shared their condolences Saturday afternoon on X:
Statement from President Jere W. Morehead and J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks:
— UGA (@universityofga) January 4, 2025
The entire University of Georgia community expresses our deepest sympathy to the Smart family following the passing of Sonny Smart. He and his wife Sharon have been a constant and…
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