Kirby Smart's father dies after tragic fall ahead of Sugar Bowl

In the United States, Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia Bulldogs football coach Kirby Smart, passed away on January 1, 2025, due to complications arising from a hip surgery. On New Year's Eve, he fell while walking in New Orleans, suffering a fractured hip. Following this injury, he was hospitalized and underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center. Unfortunately, complications from the surgery prevented him from recovering, and he died surrounded by his family shortly after midnight on January 1. Sonny Smart had a significant impact on Georgia football and was a respected figure in the sports community. A longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, he had instilled values in Kirby Smart that the coach continued to emphasize in his career. Kirby expressed his gratitude for his father’s lessons and influence on his coaching style. The aftermath of his father's passing coincided with Kirby Smart's commitment to his team, as they were preparing for the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame. The match had been postponed a day due to a tragic terrorist attack on Bourbon Street, which killed 14 people and injured many. This compounded the emotional weight on Kirby as he navigated both the loss of his father and the demands of leading his team. The Smart family publicly expressed gratitude to the medical staff at Ochsner Medical Center, acknowledging their care during Sonny's illness. They also asked for prayers for those affected by the tragic events in New Orleans, demonstrating their empathetic nature even in personal grief. The legacy of Sonny Smart will continue to resonate through his son's career and the UGA community, as they honor his memory and contributions to the sport.