In a tragic turn of events preceding the Sugar Bowl, Sonny Smart, father of Georgia’s football coach Kirby Smart, passed away due to complications following hip surgery. The unfortunate incident occurred after he suffered a fall in New Orleans.
Sonny Smart, widely respected for his extensive career as a high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, faced a severe accident on New Year’s Eve. While in New Orleans with family, he fell and fractured his hip. He was subsequently admitted to Ochsner Medical Center for surgery. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Sonny Smart succumbed to complications post-operation, with family by his side, as confirmed by an official statement from Georgia.
The Smart family had gathered in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl scheduled between Georgia and Notre Dame, a significant game in the College Football Playoff. The match itself was rescheduled due to a serious incident in the French Quarter where a pickup truck had struck a crowd, leading to multiple casualties. Kirby Smart’s team later played and was defeated by Notre Dame with a score of 23-10 in the playoff.
Sonny Smart’s health had been a concern in recent years, preventing him from witnessing Georgia’s national championship victory over TCU in 2023. He remained a steadfast supporter of his son’s coaching career since Kirby took over as head coach at Georgia, his alma mater, in 2016. Sonny had previously coached Kirby during his high school years, establishing a strong familial bond through sports.
In the wake of his passing, the Smart family expressed profound gratitude to the medical staff at Ochsner Medical Center for providing exceptional care to Sonny. They also requested prayers for those affected by the tragic vehicle incident in New Orleans, reflecting a community spirit and concern for others even in their time of grief. Sharon Smart, Sonny’s wife, along with their children Karl, Kirby, and Kendall, survive him.
The passing of Sonny Smart marks a somber moment for the Georgia community and the entire Smart family. Remembered for his dedication to football and family, his legacy continues through his children and the many lives he touched. The heartfelt messages and requests for prayers underscore the family’s resilience and connect them to broader concerns within the community.
Source: News4jax
