Off the court, Connor McCaffery, the boyfriend of basketball star Caitlin Clark, is facing a heartbreaking loss.
McCaffery, who coaches at Butler University, paid a touching tribute to his grandmother after her death at 80, sharing his grief with fans on social media.
A Touching Instagram Tribute
On Saturday night, McCaffery posted a childhood photo of himself with his grandmother on Instagram, accompanied by heartfelt words.
“I’ve been trying to think of what to say and I can’t,” he wrote.
“It’s impossible to put into words how much you meant to our entire family. I refuse to say goodbye, so until we meet again.”
Caitlin Clark, showing her support, responded with heart and prayer emojis, a simple yet powerful gesture of comfort.
The Tragic Loss
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Marit Smaby-Nowlin was found unresponsive in Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, just before 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Family members tried to revive her before first responders arrived.
She was then taken to Cook Hospital, where she sadly passed away.
A Couple in the Spotlight
Connor and Caitlin have been together for nearly two-and-a-half years, starting their relationship in April 2023 while Clark was still playing college basketball at Iowa.
Since then, Clark has become a major star in U.S. sports, being the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft for the Indiana Fever.
Meanwhile, McCaffery continues his basketball journey as an assistant coach at Butler University in Indiana, making them both prominent figures in the basketball world.
Leaning on Each Other
Even amid professional highs and personal achievements, this loss is a stark reminder that life off the court can be challenging.
The couple’s social media exchange shows their closeness and the way they support each other through tough times.
