Iowa LB’s grandfather dies in accident before bowl

The grandfather of Iowa star linebacker Jack Campbell died Friday night time in Nashville, the place he had traveled to look at the Hawkeyes play within the Music Metropolis Bowl.

William Smith Jr., the daddy of Campbell’s stepmother, Jen, died following a pedestrian-vehicle accident involving one automobile, the varsity stated in an announcement. The 76-year-old from Waterloo, Iowa, was pronounced lifeless after being taken to Vanderbilt Medical Heart.

Campbell’s dad and mom selected to not inform him in regards to the accident till after the sport, which Iowa gained 21-0 over Kentucky on Saturday. Campbell, enjoying in his remaining faculty sport, had a team-high 10 tackles, together with two for loss and a sack.

“Our hearts are with Jack and his complete household as they grieve the tragic demise of their grandfather and father, William Smith, Jr.,” coach Kirk Ferentz stated in an announcement. “We all know Mr. Smith was a robust affect on his grandson and a trustworthy Hawkeye soccer supporter. All of us — gamers, coaches and employees members — will preserve the Campbell household in our ideas and prayers throughout this profoundly tough time.”

Campbell was the Massive Ten’s Defensive Participant of the Yr and a finalist for the Butkus Award, which works to the nation’s high linebacker.