The family of Paul Alexander, who was paralyzed and lived for 70 years inside an iron lung after contracting polio as a child, has announced his death. His brother, Philip, posted on Facebook that Alexander, 78, who resided in Texas, passed away on Monday. In a post on Tuesday, Philip Alexander wrote, "It was an honor to be part of the life of someone as loved as he was, who impacted and inspired millions, and that is not an exaggeration."
Alexander was six years old when he was placed inside a metal cylinder that covers the entire body, known as an iron lung, in 1952 after being stricken with polio, a deadly disease that previously paralyzed tens of thousands of children each year. The iron lung uses pressure to push air into the lungs. Alexander graduated from law school, passed the bar exam, and practiced law. His brother mentioned that he also traveled to all continents.
His brother wrote, "He was remarkable. What a compliment! He loved good food, wine, women, long conversations, learning, and laughing." Alexander contracted COVID-19 and received medical care in a hospital in February. His illness left him weak and prone to dehydration, according to a spokesperson on TikTok, where Alexander had over 300,000 followers.
