Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, passed away early Saturday due to complications from hip surgery following a fall in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl, the University of Georgia announced.

Smart, aged 76, fractured his hip during a walk on New Year's Eve and underwent surgery at Ochsner Medical Center. Unfortunately, complications arose post-surgery, leading to his death at 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, with his family by his side (AP News).

The Smart family was visiting New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl, which was relayed a day due to a tragic incident that resulted in 14 deaths and numerous injuries in the French Quarter. Georgia played against Notre Dame, losing 23-10 in a College Football Playoff semifinal on Thursday. Sunny Smart, a longtime high school football coach in Alabama and Georgia, had been a staple at his son’s games since Kirby took over as head coach in 2016, although he could not attend this year’s national title game due to health complications (SFGate).

In remembrance, the Smart family expressed their gratitude to the medical staff for their care and requested continued prayers for those affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy. They remarked, “The Smart family treasures everyone’s thoughts and prayers” in their time of mourning (The Daily Beast).

Kirby Smart, who played for his father in high school, shared a cherished relationship that resonated throughout his coaching career, making Sonny's passing a significant loss for the entire football community (USA Today).