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Muhammad Ali’s Daughter Laila Ali Devasted by Saddening Loss of 16-Year-Old

Published 01/08/2023, 10:15 AM EST

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On Thursday, a sixteen-year-old teenager Ashari Hughes collapsed on the ground during the early evening hours. A Desert Oasis High School student, the incident happened while she represented her school’s Flag Football team. Taken to the hospital, the Sophomore passed away later during the night. Among the many, Laila Ali joined her family and the community in this hour of grief and sorrow.

The former WBC and WIBA Super Middleweight champion is a mother to two young teens. The daughter of the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, and his third wife, Veronica Porche, Laila, after a troubled childhood and teenage, finally found her calling in boxing. Deeply saddened by the loss of a young life, she shared her message. Since Ashari’s passing away comes in the wake of another incident, ‘She Bee Stingin’ expressed her concerns.

Ashari Hughes, 16, collapses during flag football game

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A watered-down version of American Football, Flag Football rules restrict players to de-flag rather than getting into an actual tackle. A family member shared that while the game was going on, Ashari began having chest pains. A move to the sidelines for resting didn’t help either, and her condition worsened.

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According to Desert Oasis High School’s principal, Ian Salzman, “staff immediately began providing medical aid and continued until paramedics arrived.” Tragically, she did not make it. The Clark County Coroner’s office has not yet disclosed her death’s official cause and manner.

Read More: Laila Ali Was Forced to Celebrate Christmas Secretly in Her Father Muhammad Ali’s House

Ashari’s family messaged, “She was passionate, loving, and determined. “She loved music, dancing, and being around all the people she loved…She called football the real love of her life! She loved hard and was loved by many.”

Laila Ali heartbroken by the loss

Laila Ali inherited her famous father’s feistiness and ferocity. Yet, despite growing up in the Ali household, she yearned for a normal childhood. In her autobiography, Reach! Finding Strength, Spirit, and Personal Power. She describes her hardships and ultimate triumphs in her autobiography.

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via Imago

Crestfallen by Ashari Hughes’ untimely demise, Laila Ali joined many others deeply affected by the tragic incident, “The aftermath…Sad to watch so many kids “suddenly” dying and having heart attacks, strokes, etc., over the past two years.”

Buffalo Bills football player Damar Hamlin had a ‘cardiac arrest’ and collapsed on the field a few days earlier. It followed a vicious chest tackle he took. Numerous news outlets covered the incident. Apparently, Hamlin received oxygen and CPR for 10 minutes before the hospitalization.

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A GoFundMe page for Ashari Hughes’s funeral costs on Friday afternoon raised money in under two hours. On Saturday morning, the total had topped $21,000, well on its way to the $50,000 goal.

Watch Out for More: Laila Ali fought in a male-dominated sport despite her father and others’ objections.

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Written by:

Jaideep R Unnithan

1,477Articles

One take at a time

After completing 18 years in the corporate sector, Jaideep decided to make a move out of the comfort zone and follow his heart's calling to becoming a writer. His understanding of Boxing began with Iron Mike's debut as an 18 year old in 1985. Like anyone and everyone else, he holds Muhammad Ali as the greatest, though his personal favorite remains the 'PacMan' Manny Pacquiao for his speed and sheer toughness.
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