The Weeks-McCaffery family is in mourning after 80-year-old Marit Smaby-Nowlin was found unresponsive in Lake Vermilion, Minnesota, leaving loved ones struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy.

Connor McCaffery, the boyfriend of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, is grieving the loss of his grandmother, Marit Smaby-Nowlin, who passed away earlier this week in northeast Minnesota.

The 80-year-old matriarch was found unresponsive in Lake Vermilion on Wednesday, according to local authorities, and attempts by family members to revive her were unsuccessful.

She was transported to Cook Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, leaving McCaffery and his family devastated by the sudden loss.

On Saturday, McCaffery shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a childhood photo with his grandmother and writing, “I’ve been trying to think of what to say and I can’t.

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.” Clark responded to her boyfriend’s post with a string of hearts and prayer-hand emojis, showing her support during this difficult time.

Smaby-Nowlin was the mother of four daughters, including Margaret, McCaffery’s mother. Margaret had a distinguished basketball career in St. Paul before playing at Notre Dame, continuing the family’s deep ties to the sport.

She later married Fran McCaffery, Connor’s father, who is the longtime Iowa men’s basketball coach and currently serves as head coach at the University of Pennsylvania.

The family’s multi-generational connection to basketball has made them well-known in collegiate sports circles, with both Connor and Caitlin carving out their own paths in the sport.

The couple celebrated their two-year anniversary in April, marking the milestone with heartfelt social media posts. Clark shared, “Another year with my favorite person 🙂 I’m so thankful for you 🖤🖤,” reflecting the closeness of their relationship.

The pair first met as basketball players at the University of Iowa, where McCaffery played and Clark would later rise to stardom. Their shared love of the game has been a cornerstone of their relationship, blending personal and professional support.

Currently, McCaffery works as an assistant coach for the Butler men’s basketball program and spent the 2023-24 season as a basketball development coordinator with the NBA’s Indiana Pacers.

His career in basketball, combined with Clark’s star status in the WNBA, has placed the couple at the center of national sports attention, making this family tragedy all the more visible to fans and followers.

Friends and colleagues of the family have expressed sympathy and support for the couple.

Several former teammates and fellow coaches commented on social media, noting the profound influence Smaby-Nowlin had on her family and her dedication to nurturing athletic talent across generations.

Many recalled her presence at games and family gatherings, emphasizing her warmth, encouragement, and the quiet strength she imparted to her grandchildren and daughters.

The tragic loss comes during a time when Clark is focused on her professional career, leading the Indiana Fever and maintaining her high-profile presence in the WNBA.

Despite the demanding schedule, Clark has remained present for McCaffery and his family, underscoring the close bond they share.

Sources close to the couple note that they have been leaning on each other for emotional support, blending their personal grief with the ongoing responsibilities of professional sports.

In addition to her personal qualities, Smaby-Nowlin’s legacy in basketball runs deep through the family. Her children and grandchildren have continued her passion for the sport, influencing local and collegiate basketball communities in Minnesota, Iowa, and beyond.

The family’s ongoing connection to the game has been a defining aspect of their identity, and her passing is felt not only personally but across the broader sports network that has followed their careers for decades.

As the family mourns, McCaffery has emphasized the importance of celebrating his grandmother’s life while coping with the sudden tragedy.

“It’s impossible to put into words how much she meant to our entire family,” he wrote, highlighting both his grief and the enduring impact of Smaby-Nowlin’s guidance and love.

For fans of Caitlin Clark and observers of the family, this moment has offered a poignant glimpse into the personal lives behind the public achievements, showing the human side of athletes and coaches often defined by their performance on the court.

The couple is expected to spend the coming days with family in Minnesota, honoring Smaby-Nowlin’s memory through private gatherings and moments of reflection.

While public statements and social media posts have conveyed much of the immediate grief, close friends indicate that the Weeks-McCaffery family will continue to prioritize privacy and support for each other during this deeply emotional time.

This loss underscores the intersection of family, legacy, and professional athletic life, illustrating how even highly visible sports figures navigate personal tragedy.

As McCaffery and Clark continue to balance their public careers with private grief, fans and colleagues alike are reminded of the resilience required both on and off the court.