Relatives of Paul Alexander announced his death at the age of 78 on Tuesday March 12.
This American had lived in a metal machine since the age of 6, after contracting polio, an illness that left him paralyzed from the neck down.
Paul Alexander's " lungs
of steel"
had kept him breathing for nearly seven decades.
Although he contracted Covid-19 several days ago, the exact causes of his death have not yet been officially declared.
A life as normal as possible
Poliomyelitis, mainly found in children, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the nervous system, sometimes leading to permanent paralysis or even death in the most severe cases.
Although this disease has been almost eradicated, it has made a worrying return in various parts of the world in recent years.
Despite his disability, contracted in 1952, Paul Alexander aspired to lead as normal a life as possible.
As reported by the British daily
The Guardian
in an article published in 2020, he continued his law studies at university, obtained his diploma, then practiced as a lawyer, thus building a successful practice.
He was also an author translated into many countries.
According to those close to him, Paul Alexander had recently been the victim of abuse by people who were supposed to look after his well-being, and embezzlement was mentioned.
“He was struggling to maintain his artificial respirator, cover his medical expenses and find accommodation suited to his needs.
Paul lived in a small studio with no windows
,” they said.
A fundraiser was organized to help him.
To date, 143,000 dollars, or approximately 130,000 euros, have been collected.