The father of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart has died, the school announced Saturday.
Smart's father, Sonny, fell and broke his hip during the day on Dec. 31 while in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, and later died from complications from surgery, according to a statement from Georgia.
Sonny passed away Saturday morning at 12:15 am surrounded by his family.
“The Smart family expresses its sincere gratitude to Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff for the exceptional care provided to Sonny,” the statement read.
'Furthermore, they ask for your continued prayers for those affected by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day.
“The Smart family treasures everyone's thoughts and prayers and now prays for God's comfort, strength and guidance.”
Kirby Smart's Father Sonny Passes Away After Complications From Hip Surgery
Sonny's fall and eventual death are not related to the terrorist attack that took place in New Orleans early on the morning of January 1, when a man driving a truck plowed his vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people.
Many, including SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey, have offered their condolences to the Smart family following Sonny's death.
“Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to hear of his passing,” Sankey said in X.
'I had the privilege of visiting Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation. “Our deepest condolences to Kirby Smart and his family and to everyone who knew his father.”
According AL.comSonny was a native of Columbia, Alabama and a high school football coach in Georgia.
He reportedly posted an overall record of 90-78-1 while coaching at Bainbridge High and Rabun County High.
Sonny spent 1988-1994 in Bainbridge and then 1995-2003 in Rabun County.