The granddad of Iowa Hawkeye’s linebacker Jack Campbell was killed on Friday subsequent to venturing out to see his grandson play his last school game.

William Smith Jr. was articulated dead after he was hit by a lodging traveler van in Nashville, as per The Tennessean. He was 76.

Smith was hit by the van when he ventured onto the street — and a relative cautioned him not to however he didn’t hear it — on West End after 10 p.m., the power source detailed.

He was then moved to Vanderbilt College Clinical Center, where he died. The Music City Bowl occurred on Saturday and Campbell helped the Hawkeyes to a triumph of 21-0 over Kentucky at Nissan Arena. His folks held on until after the game to tell him so Campbell could “have one final opportunity to play with his Iowa partners.”

“Our hearts are with Jack and his whole family as they lament the heartbreaking passing of their granddad and father, William Smith, Jr.,” said Iowa mentor Kirk Ferentz in a school discharge.

Iowa Star Jack Campbell’s Grandfather Hit by Van and Killed Hours Before the Music City Bowl

— People (@people) January 2, 2023

“We know Mr. Smith was major areas of strength for an on his grandson and a dedicated Hawkeye football ally.

We all – players, mentors and staff individuals – will keep the Campbell family in our viewpoints and supplications during this significantly troublesome time.”

Smith is the dad of Campbell’s stepmother Jen. In December, the football star turned into the principal Hawkeye to get the Kicks Butkus Grant, which is yearly allowed to the top linebacker in school football, as per the New York Post. He additionally positioned second in the Big Ten Gathering with 145 handles across 12 games.