Texas Man Who Spent 70 Years in Iron Lung Dies at 78

Paul Alexander: A Story of Resilience, Education, and Global Exploration

Texas Man Who Spent 70 Years in Iron Lung Dies at 78. Paul Alexander, a Texan man who spent seven decades living inside an iron lung after surviving polio as a child, has passed away at the age of 78, as confirmed by his family.

According to his brother Philip’s Facebook post, Paul Alexander, affectionately known as “Paul,” died on Monday. Although the cause of death was not disclosed, his brother expressed the honor of being part of Paul’s remarkable life and highlighted his profound impact on millions of people.

Paul Alexander was one of the last individuals to rely on the iron lung, a device commonly used in polio wards during the 1940s and 1950s. Contracting polio at the age of six in 1952, Paul was confined to the iron lung, a full-body metal cylinder that assists in breathing by applying pressure to the lungs.

Despite his physical challenges, Paul Alexander’s resilience and determination shone through. He pursued higher education, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin Law School in 1984 and later becoming a practicing lawyer. Additionally, he embarked on extensive travels, visiting every continent, as noted by his brother Philip.

Described as a charismatic individual who enjoyed life’s pleasures, including good food, wine, and engaging conversations, Paul’s spirit remained vibrant despite his physical limitations. He was known for his charm and zest for life.

Unfortunately, Paul Alexander contracted COVID-19 and was hospitalized in February, which exacerbated his health condition. His battle with the illness left him weak and dehydrated, as reported by a spokesperson on TikTok, where Paul had garnered a substantial following of over 300,000 followers.