Current:Home > MarketsPaul Alexander, Texas man who lived most of his life in an iron lung, dies at 78-LoTradeCoin
Paul Alexander, Texas man who lived most of his life in an iron lung, dies at 78
View Date:2024-12-23 15:28:21
A Texas man who lived in an iron lung for most of his life after contracting polio as a young child has died.
According to his obituary, Paul Alexander lived in Dallas, Texas and died March 11. He was 78.
Alexander rose to prominence on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he was known as @ironlungman, amassing over 300,000 followers. He posted videos and answered questions from commenters asking about his life living in the iron lung.
In the most recent video posted to his account on Feb. 26, a man who identified himself only as Lincoln and said he runs Alexander's social media said that Alexander had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and was taken to the emergency room. He was able to use the hospital's iron lung and return home, but was still weak, confused and struggling to eat and hydrate.
Alexander had lived in an iron lung since contracting polio in 1952. In a video, Alexander said he went to University of Texas at Austin and graduated in 1986, and according to a GoFundMe, he received a law degree, passed the bar exam and opened a law practice.
The GoFundMe has since been disabled for donations, but organizer Christopher Ulmer wrote that Alexander's inability to leave his iron lung left him "vulnerable to theft by those he trusted," and any money raised went to directly to Alexander to maintain his iron lung, find proper housing and provide health care.
"I have goals and dreams of doing some more things before I go visit some place, and I plan to do and accomplish those goals with my friends," Alexander said in his most popular video, which has over 56 million views. "I want to talk to the world about polio and the millions of children not protected against polio. They have to be, before there's another epidemic."
veryGood! (5359)
Related
- Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
- How John Krasinski's Elevator Ride Led to Emily Blunt’s Oppenheimer Casting
- RHOA Alum NeNe Leakes' Son Bryson Arrested on Felony Drug Possession Charges
- This $30 Deal on an $80 Soniclean Electric Toothbrush Will Give You Reasons To Smile
- Judge hears case over Montana rule blocking trans residents from changing sex on birth certificate
- Madison Beer Claps Back at Body Shamer Saying She's Getting Fatter
- Tyra Banks Recreates Her Iconic Life-Size Character for Barbie Shout-Out
- How Selena Gomez Became the Mental Health Champion We All Needed
- Rita Ora Says Liam Payne “Left Such a Mark on This World” in Emotional Tribute
- Inside Gisele Bündchen's Birthday Girls' Trip With Daughter Vivian and Twin Sister Patricia
Ranking
- Spurs coach Gregg Popovich had a stroke earlier this month, is expected to make full recovery
- Get Cozy With 60% Off Barefoot Dreams Deals: Cardigans, Blankets, Pajamas, Loungewear, and More
- Robin Thicke's Fiancée April Love Geary Fires Back at Haters Who Criticize Her Photos
- Investigation launched after video shows police K-9 mauling suspect with his hands up
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul stirs debate: Is this a legitimate fight?
- Seaside North Carolina town overrun with hundreds of non-native ducks
- Gilgo Beach murders: Police searching suspect's walk-in vault
- Come on Barbie, Let’s Go Shopping: Your Guide to the Best Barbie Collabs: Barefoot Dreams, Crocs & More
Recommendation
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Something Corporate
-
Shop Bags & Accessories at Nordstrom Clear the Rack Sale: Deals on Coach, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein & More
-
Ethan Slater Makes Instagram Account Private Amid Ariana Grande Romance
-
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' Matilda Date Night Is Sweet as Honey
-
College Football Fix podcast addresses curious CFP rankings and previews Week 12
-
Inside Gisele Bündchen's Birthday Girls' Trip With Daughter Vivian and Twin Sister Patricia
-
Zayn Malik's Steamy New Song “Love Like This” Will Make Your Heart Race
-
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Welcome to Wrexham Scores Season 2 Premiere Date