On Saturday, the tragic news broke that Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny Smart, had passed away at the age of 76 following complications from hip surgery. The University of Georgia made a statement, claiming he passed away at 12:15 a.m. ET on Saturday morning.

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart has faced a heart-wrenching start to the year following the passing of his father, Sonny Smart, on 4 January. Sonny, aged 76, died from complications after hip surgery following a fall in New Orleans on New Year's Eve.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s father, Sonny, died early Saturday of complications from hip surgery after falling in New Orleans ahead of the Sugar Bowl, the school announced.