Paul Alexander, widely known as “the man in the iron lung” or “Polio Paul”, has sadly died.
Paul was left paralysed after being struck down by polio in Dallas, Texas, in 1952. He could only move his head, neck and mouth and almost died before doctors put him in an iron lung.
The machine kept him alive for seven decades, but sadly on update on his GoFundMe page yesterday (Tuesday, March 12) revealed he passed away on Monday (March 11).
The post reads: “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 travelled wide and far, positively influencing people around the world. Paul was an incredible role model that will continue to be remembered.
“Paul, you will be missed but always remembered. Thanks for sharing your story with us.