Sonny Smart's father georgia state football Coach Kirby Smart died early Saturday from complications related to hip surgery he underwent after a fall the day before the Sugar Bowl, the university announced.
Sonny Smart was injured on New Year's Day in New Orleans before season opener. college football playoffs The quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed to the next day after a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street claimed at least 14 lives and injured dozens more.
The field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. (Stephen Lou Iman image)
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He passed away shortly after midnight surrounded by his family.
“Sonny fell while walking during the New Year's Eve day in New Orleans and broke his hip. He was hospitalized and had hip surgery, but unfortunately complications arose. Although he fought bravely, “He was unable to overcome his injuries,” the statement read.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart celebrates with his father, Sonny Smart, after the Tennessee vs. Georgia NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Athens, Georgia. Georgia won 27-13. Syndicate Online Athens (Imagination)
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“The Smart family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff for providing exceptional care to Sonny. I hope you will continue to pray for me.”
According to to ESPN, After the Sugar Bowl was postponed, Kirby Smart spent part of New Year's Day with his father in the hospital. He returned immediately following Georgia's 23-10 loss to Notre Dame.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart is presented with the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl trophy after winning the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal game between Ohio State and Georgia on Sunday, January 1, 2022 in Atlanta. . Georgia won 42-41. News Joshua L. Jones (Just imagine)
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Sonny Smart was a longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia. He also played football at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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