sonny smart’s father georgia football The university confirmed that coach Kirby Smart died early Saturday morning from complications related to hip surgery after a fall the day before the Sugar Bowl.
Sonny Smart injured before New Orleans game on New Year’s Day college football playoff The quarterfinal game between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed to the next day after the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street claimed at least 14 lives and injured dozens more.
The field before the game between the Notre Dame Bulldogs and the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Dome. (Stephen Lew-Iman Images)
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He died shortly after midnight surrounded by his family.
The statement read: “Sonny fell and fractured his hip while walking during the day on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans. He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery; unfortunately, complications arose. He fought valiantly, but was unable to overcome his injuries. .
Georgia coach Kirby Smart speaks with his father, Sonny Smart, after the NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, in Athens, Georgia Smart) celebrate. Athens Online Syndicate (picture)
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“The Smart family expresses our sincere gratitude for the exceptional care provided to Sonny by Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff. Additionally, they ask that you continue to pray for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day.”
according to 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 lost 23-10 to Notre Dame.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart wins after the NCAA College Football Playoff semifinal win at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between Ohio State and Georgia on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2022, in Atlanta. Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl trophy. Georgia won 42-41. Joshua L. Jones News (picture)
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Sonny Smart is a long-time 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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