“Prayers for this precious family”: CFB fans mourn as Kirby Smart’s father dies following devastating fall

Sonny Smart, the father of Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart, has died. It was announced on Saturday via a social media post by Laura Rutledge that he died after a fall on New Year's Eve.

Fans took to the comment section and shared their prayers for the Smart family in this difficult time.

"There are no words; only prayers for the entire Smart family. May God sustain them in this sad time, and may the celebration of his life be filled with joyous memories," a fan said.

"Prayers up for Kirby and his family," another fan said.

"So very sorry hear about Coach Smart’s Father…May GOD bless him and his family in this difficult time🙏🙏🙏," one fan wrote.

"Prayers for Kirby and his family! Just a heartbreaking week! Praying for all who lost loved ones! ❤️🖤," a fan tweeted.

Others talked about how hard it must be for the Bulldogs coach during the Sugar Bowl, having to lead the team while dealing with the death of his father and the impact of the attack in New Orleans on Jan. 1.

"Unbelievably sad. Not sure how Kirby managed those 48 hours before the game 🙏," a fan said.

"Wow. Coach had a lot of plates to juggle to start the year. Prayers for the Smart family and @KirbySmartUGA," one fan wrote.

"Awful news. Can’t imagine what Kirby was going through on the sidelines during the Sugar Bowl. Prayers to the entire Smart family," another fan said.

What happened to Sonny Smart?

Sonny Smart was in New Orleans to watch his son, Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart, in the Sugar Bowl. During this trip, he fell while walking on New Year's Eve. It fractured his hip and he had to be admitted to the hospital for surgery.

According to sources, there were complications after the surgery, which Sonny was unable to recover from.

The University of Georgia released a statement on Saturday.

"He (Sonny Smart) fought valiantly but was unable to overcome his injuries," the statement read.

Sonny Smart was surrounded by his family, including Kirby Smart, when he died.