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Sonny Smart, the father of georgia football Coach Kirby Smart died early Saturday from complications related to hip surgery he had after falling the day before the Sugar Bowl, the university confirmed.
Sonny Smart was injured in New Orleans on New Year’s Day before the start of the championship. College Football Playoffs quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame, which had been postponed to the next day after a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured dozens more.
The field before the game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs at the Caesars Superdome. (Images by Stephen Lew-Imagn)
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He died shortly after midnight surrounded by his family.
“Sonny fell while walking during New Year’s Eve in New Orleans and fractured his hip. He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery; unfortunately, complications arose. He fought bravely but was unable to overcome his injuries,” the statement reads. .
Georgia coach Kirby Smart celebrates with his father, Sonny Smart, after an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Georgia in Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022. Georgia won 27-13. Online distribution Athens (IMAGE)
“The Smart family extends their sincere gratitude to Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny. 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.”
According to ESPN, Kirby Smart spent part of New Year’s Day in the hospital with his father after the Sugar Bowl was postponed. He returned shortly after Georgia’s 23-10 loss to Notre Dame.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart receives the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl trophy after winning the NCAA Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game between Ohio State and Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 1 2022 in Atlanta. Georgia won 42-41. News Joshua L Jones (IMAGE)
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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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