Sonny Smart Obituary, Death; – Sonny Smart, the father of Kirby Smart, the head football coach at the University of Georgia, passed away early Saturday morning (January 4) due to complications arising from hip surgery necessitated by a fall he sustained while walking in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve.
Major sports news outlets, including ESPN, Yahoo, and Sports Illustrated, were among the first to report the news, which was subsequently confirmed by the university. His age has not been disclosed at this time.
Sonny Smart had traveled to New Orleans to support his son during the Allstate Sugar Bowl but suffered his injury prior to the game scheduled for New Year’s Day. The game was ultimately postponed to January 2 following a tragic incident on Bourbon Street earlier that week, concluding Georgia’s season with a 23-10 defeat against Notre Dame.
The University of Georgia released a statement acknowledging the passing of Sonny Smart, who had a long career as a high school football and baseball coach. The statement indicated that he passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, surrounded by his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall.
“So
nny fell while walking during the day on New Year’s Eve in New Orleans and fractured his hip,” the statement detailed. “He was hospitalized and underwent hip surgery. Unfortunately, complications arose. He fought valiantly but was unable to overcome his injuries.”
The Smart family expressed their deep appreciation to the Ochsner hospital and medical staff for the outstanding care provided to Sonny. They also requested continued prayers for those impacted by the tragic events that transpired in the early hours of New Year’s Day. The family values the support and prayers they have received and now seeks God’s comfort, strength, and guidance.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp expressed his sorrow on X, stating he was heartbroken to learn of Sonny Smart’s passing. Sonny Smart, who played college football at Samford University, served as a high school football coach in Georgia from 1988 to 2003. In January 2023, Kirby Smart reflected on his father, stating, “He’s taught me so much just about the way you handle things, the right way.”
