Sonny Smart, father of University of Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart, passed away in the early hours of Saturday. His passing followed complications arising from hip surgery, necessitated by a fall he suffered on New Year's Eve in New Orleans. The University of Georgia confirmed the news.
The incident occurred just before the rescheduled College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame. The game, originally slated for New Year's Day, was postponed due to a tragic incident on Bourbon Street.
Sonny Smart's family was with him at the time of his passing shortly after midnight. A statement released on behalf of the family detailed the unfortunate series of events: "Sonny's fall on New Year's Eve resulted in a fractured hip, requiring hospitalization and surgery. Despite a valiant fight, complications arose that he was unable to overcome."
The Smart family expressed their deep appreciation to the Ochsner hospital staff for their dedicated care and requested continued prayers for all those impacted by the New Year's Day tragedy in New Orleans. Reports indicate Kirby Smart spent time with his father at the hospital on New Year’s Day, returning after Georgia's loss to Notre Dame.
Sonny Smart had a long and distinguished career as a high school football coach in both Alabama and Georgia. He was also a football player at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
