Last American polio survivor in an iron lung dies at 78
The death of 78-year-old Martha Lillard marks the end of an era for the last known American dependent on an iron lung.
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The brief
Martha Lillard, a polio survivor residing in Shawnee, Oklahoma, has died at age 78. She was identified as the final individual in the United States to utilize an iron lung, a device which assisted her breathing.
Coverage from outlets including KIRO 7 News Seattle, NewsNation, and KXAN Austin emphasizes Lillard's status as the last living person in the country to rely on the medical equipment. Reports from KOSU and KFOR.com confirm her passing in Shawnee.
Public records and statements indicate this marks the conclusion of a historical medical dependency in the U.S. Coverage does not yet specify further details regarding funeral arrangements or the disposition of the medical equipment.
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Quick answers
Who was Martha Lillard?
She was an American polio survivor who was the last person in the country to utilize an iron lung.
Where did the death occur?
According to coverage from KOSU and KFOR.com, she died in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
How old was she at the time of her death?
She was 78 years old.
Coverage (6)
- Martha Lillard, last American to use iron lung, dies at 78 KIRO 7 News Seattle · 1d ago
- The last living woman with an "iron lung" died in the USA Наша Ніва · 1d ago
- Martha Lillard, last American using iron lung, dies in Shawnee KOSU · 1d ago
- Oklahoma woman, the last American in an iron lung, dies at 78 KFOR.com · 1d ago
- Last American polio survivor in an iron lung dies at 78 NewsNation · 1d ago
- Last American polio survivor in an iron lung dies at 78 KXAN Austin · 1d ago
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