Celebrity News June 04, 2016
Details on Muhammad Ali's Final Moments, Star-Studded Funeral
Boxing great Muhammad Ali will be buried in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, this Friday, ESPN.com reports.
Bob Gunnell, a family spokesman, said Ali died at 9:10 p.m. MT Friday evening of septic shock. He said Ali did not suffer and "would have been proud of his family."
Ali's daughter Hana shared the story of her dad's final moments in a post on Twitter, writing, "Our hearts are literally hurting. But We are so happy daddy is free now."
Hana went on to relate more information about her dad's passing, writing, "We all tried to stay strong and whispered in his ear, 'You can go now. We will be okay. We love love [sic]. Thank you. You can go back to God now.' All of us were around him hugging and kissing him and holding his hands, chanting the Islamic prayer."
Just as he was surrounded by family in his final moments, so will he be surrounded by well wishers when he is buried — the funeral will feature a procession beginning at 9 a.m. that will travel along a route including "locations that were historically important to Muhammad."
The service itself will begin at 2 p.m ET at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, and will be open to the public. Eulogies will be offered by former President Bill Clinton, comic Billy Crystal, and newsman Bryant Gumbel.