Sonny Smart, father of Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart, died Saturday morning from complications from hip surgery after falling before Thursday's Allstate Sugar Bowl.
He was 76 years old.
“Sonny fell and fractured his hip during a New Year's Eve walk in New Orleans,” the University of Georgia said in a statement. “He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery. Unfortunately, complications arose. He fought bravely but was unable to overcome the injury.”
The school also posted statements from the president and director of athletics.
“Statement from President Jere W. Morehead and J. Reed Parker Director of Athletics Josh Brooks: Following the passing of Sonny Smart, the entire University of Georgia community extends our deepest condolences to the Smart family. He and his wife Sharon has always been a supportive part of our Bulldog community and we will miss Sonny's loyal presence on the sidelines of UGA football games. During this difficult time, we will be smart. I continue to keep the family in my thoughts and prayers.”
Sonny Smart passed away at 12:15 a.m. EST on Saturday, surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall.
The Smart family released a statement thanking medical workers at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans for their treatment of Sonny Smart, who was involved in the New Year's Day Bourbon Street terrorist attack that killed 14 people and injured dozens. He asked for prayers for the victims.
“We also ask that you continue to pray for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early morning hours of New Year's Day,” the statement said. “The Smart family appreciates your thoughts and prayers and is praying for God's comfort, strength and guidance at this time.”
According to ESPN, “Sonny Smart played soccer.” samford university in Birmingham, Alabama. He coached football at Holtville High School in Alabama, where he led the baseball team to the state title in 1982. He then coached at Bainbridge High School in Georgia, where Kirby Smart guarded him, and Rabun County High School in northern Georgia. ”
Kirby Smart praised his father and his influence as a coach in a 2023 interview.
“He taught me a lot about how to handle things, the right way and the wrong way,” Smart said of his father. “Control the controllables. If you're ready, no moment is too big. And I've always seen the way he prepares our teams and staff in high school. .
“He was a very smart guy and a guy of few words. I tried to follow his beliefs as a coach. I've certainly grown by coaching other people, but my A lot of the core beliefs come from the way he ran our program in high school.”
