NEW ORLEANS, La. — The father of University of Georgia football head coach Kirby Smart has died days after breaking his hip in a fall, UGA Athletics confirmed in a statement.

Sonny Smart died at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, surrounded by his wife Sharon and three children: Karl, Kirby and Kendall.

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On New Year’s Eve, he fell while walking in New Orleans and broke his hip. He underwent hip surgery but complications arose, the statement said.

“The Smart family extends our heartfelt thanks to Ochsner Hospital and the medical staff for their exceptional care for Sonny. In addition, they ask for your continued prayers for the people affected by the tragic events in the early hours of New Year’s Day. “The Smart family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers and now prays for God’s comfort, strength and guidance,” the statement said.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a native of Athens, shared a statement on

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The Smart family was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, scheduled for New Year’s Day.

The Sugar Bowl was postponed until Jan. 2 after a terrorist attack in New Orleans left 14 victims dead and dozens more injured.

Georgia lost to Notre Dame 23-10, ending its playoff run and its season.

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