Kurt and Donovan Hinish have had plenty of ups and downs before, during, and after their Notre Dame football careers. However, the blow the brothers and the rest of the family suffered on Saturday transcends any highs or lows that come from playing the sport. The Hinish family announced the patriarch of the clan, Kurt Hinish Sr., passed away on Saturday after a "courageous battle."
"Beloved husband of 30 years to Tawnie (Schroyer) Hinish; loving father of Cory (Brittany), Kadin (Zach), Kurt Braeden and Donovan; proud Pappy of Lena, Beau and Kyla; loyal brother of Heidi (Don) and Christian (Anne Marie); brother-in-law of Jeff (Kerrie). Also survived by nieces, nephews and countless loving friends," the family wrote in the 59-year-old's obituary. "Kurt was a legend of the weightlifting and football communities."
The sons also paid tribute to their father on social media, with the younger Kurt Hinish writing that his father was his hero, while Donovan posted that he would never be able to thank his father enough for all he's done in their lives.
Rest in peace, Kurt A. Hinish, father of former Notre Dame captain DTs Kurt and Donovan Hinish. His inspirational cancer battle, which began in 2013, was well documented during his sons' college careers. https://t.co/d0pTgBdh7Y pic.twitter.com/O8ImEbH16J
— Tyler James (@TJamesND) March 30, 2026
Former Notre Dame football brothers Kurt and Donovan Hinish share heartbreaking family news
While it pales in comparison to the loss of their father, the Hinish brothers have taken some blows when it comes to their football careers as well.Â
At the end of 2025, Donovan Hinish announced that not only were his Notre Dame playing days over, but he was retiring from football altogether. A nagging shoulder injury was fingered as the culprit for the defensive tackle deciding it was time to stop playing football.
Earlier this month, Kurt Hinish was released by the Houston Texans for a failed physical. Hinish spent the entire 2025 season on the reserve/PUP list due to an undisclosed issue that popped up at the beginning of training camp in late July. While the former Fighting Irish star's injury is still largely under wraps, insiders expect that when he does get healthy, he'll look to continue his NFL career.
That will take a backseat in the coming days and weeks as he and his family grieve their loss. It's safe to say that the entire Notre Dame community of coaches, players and fans offer their condolences to the Hinishes.