Boxing legend Muhammad Ali died of
septic shock after spending five days at an Arizona hospital. The 74-year-old
had been suffering from a respiratory illness, a condition that was complicated
by Parkinson's disease.
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| Muhammed Ali 1942-2016 |
Septic shock is what happens as a
complication of an infection where toxins can initiate a full-body inflammatory
response. It often occurs in people who are elderly or have a weakened immune
system.
It is thought that the
inflammation resulting from sepsis causes tiny blood clots to form, which can
block oxygen and nutrients from reaching vital organs. As a result, the organs
fail, causing a profound septic shock. This may cause a drop in blood pressure
and may result in death. In fact, septic shock is the most common cause of
death in intensive care units in the United States.
One of Ali's daughters, Hana Ali,
recalled his final moments with family by his side, hugging and kissing him and
holding his hands as they chanted Islamic prayers.
"We all tried to stay strong
and whispered in his ear, 'You can go now. We will be okay,'" Hana Ali
wrote on Twitter.
Even after many of his organs
failed, his heart kept beating for 30 minutes, she wrote.
The details came as Ali's family
revealed plans for a Friday funeral in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, a
daylong affair that will include a procession through the streets where the
74-year-old world champion grew up and learned to box. His body is expected to
be returned to the city within two days.
