Smith’s father, Ron, lived in a nursing home that was diagnosed with dementia six years ago, according to the football team. In a statement, they said he had contracted Covid-19 four weeks ago and died in the hospital.
After being named head coach in 2018, Smith helped Villa achieve promotion to the Premier League during his first season in charge. His team is 19th in the Premier League with the game suspended amid the pandemic.
“A lifelong supporter, Ron has been an administrator of Villa Park for many years and has passed on his love of the club to his children,” said a statement on the Villa website.
“In addition to being a regular home game, Ron was also there to testify to the biggest of the days in May 1982, when Villa raised the Champions Cup in Rotterdam.
“Everyone’s thoughts on the football team are currently with Dean and his family in these most distressing moments and they would kindly ask for respect for family privacy.”
The UK has suffered the most deadly coronavirus epidemic in Europe, with over 37,500 deaths, according to a count by Johns Hopkins University.
On Wednesday, Premier League shareholders voted unanimously to resume contact training in a step towards the league’s return.
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