Man who lived inside seven foot iron lung for over 70 years has died aged 78
Paul Alexander, aka Polio Paul, has died.
Alexander contracted polio at the age of six in 1952, and was rushed to hospital in Texas.
While the virus claimed the lives of thousands at the time Alexander fell ill, he managed to survive with the help of an iron lung.
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He used the innovative device for over 70 years, but sadly passed away on Sunday (March 10).
Christopher Ulmer, the creator of a GoFundMe page to help raise money to fund Alexander's treatment, confirmed the news yesterday.
He penned on the fundraiser page: "Paul Alexander, 'The Man in the Iron Lung', passed away yesterday. After surviving polio as a child, he lived over 70 years inside of an iron lung. In this time Paul went to college, became a lawyer, and a published author.
"His story traveled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered."
The statement continued: "I met and interviewed Paul in 2022. Our community raised a large amount of money for him. I just got off the phone with Philip, Pauls’ brother, who wants to communicate the following message. 'I am so gratitude to everybody who donated to my brother’s fundraiser. It allowed him to live his last few years stress-free. It will also pay for his funeral during this difficult time. It is absolutely incredible to read all the comments and know that so many people were inspired by Paul. I am just so grateful.'
"Paul, you will be missed but always remembered. Thanks for sharing your story with us."
Ulmer managed to raise a whopping $143,000 for Alexander via the GoFundMe page, which was used to help him with medical bills and housing costs.
Prior to his passing, Alexander was recognised by Guinness World Records as having spent the longest amount of time living in an iron lung.
Only one other person in the US is said to use an iron lung, The Guardian reported in 2020.
An iron lung had also been used by a UK resident, who died at the age of 75 in 2017.
Tributes on social media have been rolling in for Alexander in the wake of his death.
"Sad news Paul Alexander was a remarkable man who had much to teach us about personal resilience," one person wrote.
"He & other Iron Lung users are a reminder of the potential life span for medical devices & need to design for longevity. His life & death an illustration of the importance of vaccines."
Another person penned on X: "So sad to hear that Paul Alexander passed yesterday at age 78 from Covid-19.
"Paul contracted polio in 1952, when he was just six years old. He ended up in an iron lung and while he could live outside it for extended periods of time he never really left it."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Niamh Shackleton