Speaking of the dead in current tense

ABC News’ The Note starts their news summary as follows:
“News coverage focuses again today on President Reagan, as he leaves Southern California for Washington, D.C., where he will lie in state at the Capitol until Friday.”

Yo dudes, the guy is dead. I think it would be better to refer it to “his body” leaves So Cal and “his body” will lie in state. He--his spirit--is not actually there anymore.
This might be one of the time when it is acceptable to speak in the past tense.