US: Texas Man, 78, Dies After Living With Iron Lung for Seven Decades

According to his relatives, a paraplegic Texas man who survived childhood polio and lived for 70 years inside an iron lung has passed away.

According to a Facebook post by his brother Philip, Paul Alexander, 78, passed away on Monday. He didn’t provide a reason for his death.

Being a part of someone’s life who was as well regarded as he was was an honor. It is not hyperbole to say that he impacted and inspired millions of people, Philip Alexander said in a post on Tuesday.

Alexander was crippled by polio, a devastating illness that used to claim the lives of tens of thousands of children annually, and was six years old when he was put in a full-body metal cylinder known as an iron lung in 1952. Air is forced into the lungs of an iron lung by pressure.

After completing law school, Alexander passed the bar and began practicing law. According to his brother, he visited every continent as well.

“He gave orders to a chamber. What a swindler! He enjoyed studying, laughing, lengthy talks, fine cuisine, wine, and ladies, according to his brother.

Alexander was admitted to the hospital in February after contracting COVID-19. Alexander’s condition left him dehydrated and feeble, a representative said on TikTok, where he had over 300,000 fans.