Smith’s brother dies in Idaho at 53

FAYETTEVILLE — John L. Smith will coach the Razorbacks today with a heavy heart following the death this week of his brother, Bart, in Idaho.

Smith flew out of Fayetteville following Thursday’s practice to attend what his brother’s obituary described as “a celebration of Bart’s life” Friday afternoon in Idaho Falls and was scheduled to return Friday evening, said Zack Higbee, Arkansas’ football media relations director.

Bart Smith, 53, died Monday at his home in Idaho Falls. He is survived by his son, Sklyar; granddaughter Brinly; brothers Dick, John, Doug and sister Janet, according to his obituary in the Idaho Falls Post Register.

Bart Smith is wearing a Razorbacks cap in his obituary photo, and his favorite pastime is listed as “following his brother, John L’s, college football teams” and his nephew Alex Smith’s NFL career.