Iowa star’s grandfather killed in incident involving vehicle and pedestrian ahead of Music City Bowl
The grandfather of Iowa star linebacker Jack Campbell tragically died in a car crash in Nashville on Friday after traveling to Tennessee to watch his grandson play in what will likely be his last college football game.
William Smith Jr., 76, was pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after being involved in a single incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Friday evening, the University said Saturday in a statement.
Iowa Hawkeyes center linebacker Jack Campbell during the TransPerfect Music City Bowl game against the Kentucky Wildcats on December 31, 2022 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“Our thoughts are with Jack and his entire family as they mourn the tragic death of their grandfather and father, William Smith, Jr.,” coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement provided by the school.
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“We know that Mr. Smith was a strong influence on his grandson and a loyal Hawkeye football supporter. All of us – players, coaches and staff – will keep the Campbell family in our thoughts and prayers during this time deeply. difficult.”
According to The TennessianSmith was hit by a van after entering the road just after 10 p.m. Police told the outlet that Smith had not heard a family member’s warning not to drive down the road.
Iowa’s Jack Campbell watches Kentucky quarterback Destin Wade before a snap during the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Dec. 31, 2022, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
(Matthew Maxey/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Campbell had a dominant performance in Kentucky’s Saturday shutout in the Music City Bowl, leading the Hawkeyes with 10 tackles. He also recorded a sack and two tackles for loss.
According to the university, his parents did not tell him about his grandfather’s passing so he could “play one last time with his Iowa Hawkeye teammates.”
Iowa’s Jack Campbell warms up before the Nebraska Cornhuskers game on November 25, 2022 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City.
(Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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“Jack’s parents told him about his grandfather’s passing following the conclusion of the Music City Bowl game,” the press releases read. “His parents made the decision to wait to share this devastating news so that Jack could play one last time with his Iowa Hawkeye teammates.”
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