Sonny Smart, father of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart and a revered high school football coach, passed away early Saturday due to complications from hip surgery. The surgery followed a fall in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, as the family gathered for the Sugar Bowl.
Sonny Smart, a respected figure in high school football across Alabama and Georgia, suffered a fall on New Year’s Eve, fracturing his hip. He was admitted to Ochsner Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Sonny Smart succumbed to complications from the procedure, surrounded by his family.
The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, a game delayed by a tragic incident in the French Quarter, where a vehicle attack resulted in 14 fatalities and numerous injuries. The game, a College Football Playoff semifinal, saw Kirby Smart’s Georgia Bulldogs fall to Notre Dame with a score of 23-10.
Sonny Smart’s health had previously prevented him from attending the 2023 national title game, where Georgia triumphed over TCU to secure consecutive championships. Before his health issues, Sonny was a familiar presence at his son’s games since Kirby took over as head coach in 2016.
In a statement, the Smart family expressed deep gratitude to the Ochsner hospital staff for their care and requested prayers for those affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy. “The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength, and guidance,” the statement read.
Sonny Smart leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and their three children, Karl, Kirby, and Kendall.
The passing of Sonny Smart marks a significant loss for the Smart family and the broader football community. As they navigate this difficult time, the family’s request for prayers underscores the profound impact of both personal and communal tragedies. The football community and fans alike extend their condolences and support to Kirby Smart and his family.
