Greg Sankey issues statement following death of Kirby Smart’s father Sonny Smart

Greg Sankey has offered his well wishes to the family of Kirby Smart after the death of the Georgia head coach’s father. Sonny Smart suffered a hip fracture after a fall in New Orleans while in town for the Sugar Bowl but died due to complications from surgery.

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

The elder Smart’s fall occurred on New Year’s Day, when the Sugar Bowl was originally set to be played. But it was postponed due to the tragic Bourbon Street attack, with Kirby Smart spending much of the day at the hospital with his father before coaching his Georgia team the next day.

Sonny Smart was a massive presence in his son’s life, with the two sharing a close bond forged by football. Kirby Smart frequently discussed his memories of growing up on the sideline during his father’s lengthy coaching career, eventually playing for him at Bainbridge High School in Georgia.

Sonny Smart was surrounded by family at the time of his death, including his wife and three children.

Sydney Hunte

Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.