Iowa Star Jack Campbell's Grandfather Killed in Nashville Auto Accident

The grandfather of Iowa All-American Jack Campbell was killed Friday night in Nashville in a pedestrian-auto accident.

Police say 76-year-old William Smith Jr. of Waterloo, Iowa, was crossing West End Avenue when he was hit by a hotel passenger van. He was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he later passed away.

The details of the accident are gut-wrenching. From WKRN:

Authorities reported Smith had been walking with family members, one of whom tried to tell him not to cross due to traffic, but he “apparently did not hear the warning” and was injured after he stepped into the roadway.

Campbell’s family decided to wait to share the news with the linebacker until after he played in his final game as a Hawkeye. He had 10 tackles, two for loss, and a sack in Iowa’s 21-0 win over the Wildcats.

“Our hearts are with Jack and his entire family as they grieve the tragic death of their grandfather and father, William Smith Jr,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. “We know Mr. Smith was a strong influence on his grandson and a faithful Hawkeye football supporter. All of us — players, coaches and staff members — will keep the Campbell family in our thoughts and prayers during this profoundly difficult time.”