LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Nearly two years after his passing, legendary Louisville basketball coach Denny Crum's monument is finally in place at Cave Hill Cemetery, marking the end of an implausible journey for the massive granite tribute.
The monument stands as a lasting tribute to the coach who led the Cardinals to two NCAA championships and left an indelible mark on the city. Now that mark is permanent, not just in Louisville, but also at the bottom of the Red Sea.
As it was being transported to the U.S. last year, the ship carrying the stone was attacked and sunk by Houthi pirates in the Red Sea. The loss delayed its installation, but Crum’s family remained committed to ensuring the monument was completed.
"We probably could’ve had it up within a year until that tragic sinking incident," said Crum’s widow, Susan Sweeney Crum.
After being recreated overseas and completing a successful journey to the U.S., the monument was erected at Crum's final resting place late Monday afternoon. It was officially unveiled Tuesday.
The 10-foot-tall monument showcases the famous red coat, along with Crum's signature beneath an inscription of a quote that reads, "My love for my family, the fans, and this community kept me in Louisville and made it my home.” On the base, found on either side of Crum's name, are two of the iconic programs Crum clinched in his hands while coaching games.
"My love for my family, the fans, and this community kept me in Louisville and made it my home.”
Despite the original, unfortunate journey, Crum's widow saw the project through.
"Perfect," Sweeney Crum said after seeing the monument in place for the first time Monday. "It's amazing."
For his family, it's not just a massive piece of granite, it's a symbol for people to remember the man he was and the life he lived.
"I know they’ll think about basketball," she said. "But I hope they’ll also think about what kind of person he was, what he did in his community, how friendly he was to people, how good he was to people. He never met a stranger."
Two matching India Red granite benches will be placed near the foot of the gravesite in the coming weeks. One of which will feature the inscription of Crum's famous words, 'Don't major in the minors.'
Crum died in May 9, 2023 at the age of 86.
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