According to the school, Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny Smart, passed away on Saturday morning due to complications from his hip surgery. Sonny Smart reportedly fell in New Orleans ahead of the Allstate Sugar Bowl and had to undergo the procedure to address his fractured hip.
“Sonny fell while walking during the day on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans and fractured his hip,” Georgia said, via ESPN. “He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery; unfortunately, complications arose. He fought valiantly but was unable to overcome his injuries.”
As fans mourn the passing of Kirby Smart’s father, the University of Georgia’s top brass-President Jere W. Morehead and J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks-also shared their sympathies with the family and offered their prayers amid these trying times.
“The entire University of Georgia community expresses our deepest sympathy to the Smart family following the passing of Sonny Smart,” the statement read. “He and his wife Sharon have been a constant and supportive part of our Bulldog community, and we will miss Sonny’s faithful presence on the sidelines of UGA football games. We are holding the Smart family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Kirby Smart has yet to publicly address the devastating news. However, the Georgia Bulldogs coach and his family did share a statement through the University, thanking everyone for their “thoughts and prayers.”
“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’s statement said. “The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.”
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