Muhammad Ali crafted the plan for his final tribute years ago, long before he died. On Friday, the boxing legend?s family will honor him just like he planned: with a global celebration in his hometown.
A procession will carry Ali?s body down an avenue in Louisville, Ky., that bears his name, through his boyhood neighborhood and down Broadway, the scene of the parade that honored the brash young man?then known as Cassius Clay?for his gold medal at the 1960 Olympics.
Ali, 74, died in Arizona at 9:10 p.m. Friday local time of ?septic shock due to unspecified natural causes,? according to a spokesman for his family. The boxing great was diagnosed with Parkinson?s disease three decades ago.
It isn?t clear what specifically caused the septic shock. However, Parkinson?s patients may experience difficult swallowing, putting them at risk of aspirating food or liquids into their lungs. This, in turn, may lead to pneumonia and a chest infection that can lead to sepsis?a bloodstream infection that can cause organ failure and death.
A private funeral for Ali will be held Thursday in Louisville.
After the Friday procession, a memorial service open to the public will be held at the KFC YUM! Center. Eulogists will include former President Bill Clinton, comedian Billy Crystal?who is known for his impression of Ali?and sports television host Bryant Gumbel.
The ceremony will be led by an imam in the Muslim tradition but include representatives of other faiths. Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch will represent Mormons.
