SAD NEWS: Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Connor McCaffery Mourns the Passing of His Grandmother

The basketball world is sending love and prayers to Connor McCaffery, boyfriend of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, after he revealed heartbreaking news about the loss of his beloved grandmother.

A Painful Goodbye

McCaffery, now 27 and serving as a basketball coach at Butler University, took to Instagram to share the devastating news. In an emotional tribute, he posted a touching photo of his grandmother, Marit Smaby-Nowlin, holding him as a young boy.

“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.”

His words resonated with fans and friends alike, many of whom flooded the comments with condolences and support. Caitlin Clark, who has been in a relationship with McCaffery since April 2023, responded to the post with several heart emojis, a small but heartfelt sign of her support during this painful time.

What Happened

According to reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune, emergency responders received a call on Wednesday regarding an incident at Lake Vermilion, Minnesota. Smaby-Nowlin, aged 80, was found unresponsive while vacationing with family. Despite desperate efforts from loved ones and later paramedics to revive her, she was transported to Cook Hospital where she was tragically pronounced dead.

Remembering Marit Smaby-Nowlin

While much of the public knows Connor through basketball and his high-profile relationship with Clark, this moment has reminded many of the deep personal bonds that go beyond sports. The loss of his grandmother, described as a cornerstone of his family, clearly left a profound impact on McCaffery, who admitted words could not capture the depth of his grief.

Support Through Grief

Connor’s life has often been the subject of public discussion, including attention to his political leanings and past as a player at Iowa. But in this moment, the response has been overwhelmingly empathetic, with fans setting aside criticism to send prayers and condolences.

Caitlin Clark’s quiet but visible support has also reassured fans of the couple’s strong bond. Recent rumors of tension between the two after the WNBA All-Star game have now been put to rest, as her immediate reaction to his post shows her standing firmly by his side.

A Community Offering Sympathy

Connor’s tribute quickly spread across social media, where fans, teammates, and fellow coaches offered words of encouragement. “Stay strong, Coach,” one fan wrote. “Your grandmother’s spirit will live on through you.” Others shared similar sentiments, highlighting the role of family in shaping not only athletes but the people they become.

Looking Ahead

For McCaffery, this is a moment of reflection and mourning, but also a reminder of the importance of family. While his work as a coach continues and Clark’s career in the WNBA shines brighter than ever, the two now face this difficult chapter together.

As he wrote in his post, this is not a final goodbye but a heartfelt promise of reunion—a sentiment that many who have lost loved ones can relate to deeply.

Conclusion

The passing of Marit Smaby-Nowlin has left a deep void in the McCaffery family, and Connor’s emotional words reflect the love and connection they shared. While the sports world often focuses on wins, losses, and rivalries, this moment reminds us of the humanity behind the headlines.

TPS and countless fans extend heartfelt condolences to Connor McCaffery, Caitlin Clark, and their families during this time of loss.