Caitlin Clark supports boyfriend Connor McCaffery after grandma, 80, dies in lake tragedy

Marit Smaby-Nowlin died earlier this week at the age of 80 in a tragic incident in Minnesota, with her grandson paying an emotional tribute on social media

Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend Connor McCaffery has shared an emotional tribute to his grandma, following her tragic death in a lake at the age of 80.

It is reported that Marit Smaby-Nowlin was found unresponsive in Lake Vermilion in Minnesota earlier this week and sadly passed away. McCaffery took to Instagram to announce her heartbreaking passing.

WNBA star Clark, who has been dating the Butler University basketball coach since 2023, responded to the post with a series of love heart and praying emojis. It comes amid the Rookie of the Year’s continued absence from the Indiana Fever team amid a series of injury issues.

The Minnesota-Star Tribune reports that a call was made to first responders around 6pm on Wednesday about an elderly woman being in distress. The Sheriff’s Office reports that first responders found family members attempting to revive Smaby-Nowlin at the scene.

She was brought back to land before emergency services took her to Cook Hospital, but were unable to save her. It is believed that she was on a family vacation at Lake Vermilion.

Alongside a picture of him with his grandma as a young boy, he wrote: “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.”

McCaffery’s younger sister Marit posted her own tribute on social media, writing: “No one else I would want to be named after. It is the greatest honor. Cannot wait to see you again one day mormor.”

Clark and McCaffery began dating while the WNBA star was playing basketball at Iowa. Her career has gone from strength to strength since then but this season has been one overshadowed by injuries.

The 23-year-old has missed the Fever’s last 12 games, including the defeat to the Mystics on Friday, leaving their play off hopes hanging in the balance.

Clark showed just how important her partner is to her mindset off the court with a gushing birthday post just last month.

She wrote: “Happy happy happy birthday Con. You make everyday better and I couldn’t be more grateful. may this be the best year yet , i love you.”

Clark will again be absent as her teammates face off against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, with the pressure mounting on coach Stephanie White.

Speaking after the loss to the Mystics, she said: “It takes a lot out of you when you lose players, especially the way that [the injuries] happened

“It takes a lot out of you emotionally, mentally. But it’s sports. It’s part of the business, it’s part of what we do.”