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Grandfather of Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell dies after struck by vehicle in Nashville
Grandfather who died had ‘really big influence’ on Campbell
NASHVILLE — William Smith Jr., the grandfather of Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell, died Friday night after being struck by a vehicle in Nashville.
Smith, who was in town to watch Campbell play in the Music City Bowl, was crossing a street when a Holiday Inn passenger van hit him, according to the preliminary investigation by police.
Smith, 76, was with family members, who tried to alert him to the traffic, according to police.
Campbell’s family waited to tell him until after the game so that he could enjoy one more game with his Iowa teammates.
“He had a really big influence on Jack's entire life,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said after the Music City Bowl win. “He was really close with him, helped parent him. … Our hearts are certainly with the entire family.”
Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com
Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell (31) looks out on the field after him and his team defeated Kentucky during the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, December 31, 2022. (Savannah Blake/The Gazette)
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