A Texan man who spent the majority of his 78 years reliant on an iron lung and amassed a significant following on social media, sharing his journey from contracting polio in the 1940s to achieving a law degree, has passed away.

Paul Alexander died on Monday at a hospital in Dallas, as confirmed by Daniel Spinks, a close friend. Spinks mentioned that Alexander had been admitted to the hospital recently after testing positive for COVID-19, but the exact cause of death is not known.

At the age of 6, Alexander began using an iron lung, a device that enclosed his body while regulating air pressure to assist with breathing. In more recent times, he gained millions of followers on his TikTok account, where he shared aspects of his life and experiences.

@ironlungman Episode 1 of Convos with Paul! We will be responding to comments and questions about Paul’s life, his polio, and life in an iron lung! Please be positive 😊 #PaulAlexander #poliopaul #ironlung #conversationswithpaul ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design

"Paul had an infectious laughter," Spinks remarked. "He truly illuminated the world as one of its shining stars."

In one of his "Conversations With Paul" videos on TikTok, Alexander shares with viewers, "Being positive is a way of life for me," with the gentle hum of the iron lung audible in the background as his head rests on a pillow.

Spinks emphasized that Alexander's optimism had a profound impact on those who knew him. "Being in Paul's presence was enlightening in so many ways," Spinks added.

Despite facing challenges, Alexander remained driven and had unwavering faith in God, according to Spinks. Alexander graduated with a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Texas in 1978, followed by a law degree from the same institution in 1984.

Spinks recalled how their friendship began in 2000 when he took on the role of Alexander's driver and assistant.

Spinks mentioned that he used to drive Alexander, who was paralyzed from the neck down, to the courthouse and then wheel him to his court proceedings in a wheelchair. He explained that during that period, Alexander could spend approximately four to six hours outside of the iron lung, using it only when at his office or home.

According to Spinks, Alexander had mastered a technique of "gulping air down his lungs" to sustain himself outside the iron lung for part of the day. Using a stick in his mouth, Alexander could operate a computer and answer phone calls, Spinks added.

"However, as he grew older, he encountered more challenges in breathing outside the lung for extended periods, so he eventually reverted back to relying primarily on the lung," Spinks remarked.

Spinks worked for Alexander for approximately a year, but their bond extended beyond employment, maintaining a lasting friendship. He recounted being among the friends who assisted in the upkeep and repair of Alexander's iron lungs.

"There were a few tense moments when his lung malfunctioned, and I would rush over to help with the repairs," Spinks recalled.

Spinks noted Alexander's enthusiasm for being interviewed and his dedication to showcasing the capabilities of disabled individuals within society.

In 2022, Chris Ulmer, the founder of Special Books By Special Kids, a social media platform that amplifies the voices of disabled individuals, conducted an interview with Alexander.

"Paul was truly passionate about inspiring others and emphasizing their potential for greatness," Ulmer remarked. "His vibrant and joyful energy was infectious."

Polio was once a dreaded disease in the United States, causing thousands of cases of paralysis annually, primarily among children. However, with the introduction of vaccines starting in 1955, a national vaccination campaign led to a significant decline in cases. By the 1970s, the annual number of polio cases had dropped to fewer than 10. In 1979, the U.S. declared polio eliminated, marking a significant milestone in public health.