"Sympathies go out to Kirby Smart": SEC commissioner Greg Sankey pays touching tribute to Sonny Smart after his sudden demise

Kirby Smart's father, Sonny, passed away on Saturday aged 76. The University of Georgia announced Sonny's death, which was a result of complications after his hip surgery.

After news of Sonny's death was confirmed, several fans on social media offered their condolences to the Smart family. Even Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey tweeted a touching tribute to the late Smart.

"Sonny Smart touched many people in his life and we are saddened to learn of his passing. I had the privilege to visit with Sonny many times and enjoyed every conversation," Sankey wrote. "Our sympathies go out to Kirby Smart and his family and to all who knew his dad."

Sonny played college football at Samford University before venturing into coaching at the high school level. Per reports, he coached at Bainbridge High School in Georgia, where his son Kirby played as a safety. Kirby then moved on to play defensive back at Georgia in 1995.

Sonny also coached football at Rabun County High School in Georgia and previously served as a football and baseball coach at Holtville High School in Alabama.

Kirby often praised his father's influence on his coaching style, which has helped him win two national championships at Georgia.

How did Kirby Smart's father Sonny die?

Kirby Smart (L) with his late father Sonny Smart. (Credits: IMAGN)

As per Georgia's statement, Sonny Smart had a fall during the day on New Year's Eve while he was walking in New Orleans. He fractured his hip and was taken to hospital to undergo surgery.

However, complications arose after the surgery, which led to Sonny's demise. Family surrounded him at the time of his passing at Ochsner Medical Center.

Sonny was reportedly in New Orleans to watch Kirby Smart's Georgia take on Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl at the Caesars Superdome on Thursday. However, he wasn't able to attend the game in the stadium.

Smart's Georgia lost to Notre Dame 10-23 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, ending the team's 2024 season. Following Georgia's elimination from the playoffs, Smart spent the night with his father in the hospital.