Woman living in iron lung for 60yrs who saw you in a mirror killed by power cut

Bookmark

Never miss any of the fun stuff. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday email

Never miss any of the fun stuff. Get the biggest stories and wackiest takes from the Daily Star, including our special WTF Wednesday email

We have more newsletters

A woman who spent nearly 60 years in a 750-pound iron lung after contracting polio as a child died when a power cut shut down the machine keeping her alive.

Dianne Odell was diagnosed with polio at three and spent almost six decades inside her metal enclosure unable to exist beyond its confines, yet resolute in preserving her zest for life.

She accomplished remarkable feats: securing a high school diploma, pursuing college courses, and crafting a children's tale starring a "wishing star" named Blinky.

READ MORE: Half-eaten body found in tiger cage after shoe spotted in beast's mouth at 50p zoo

For the latest news and updates on the current activities of lotto winners across the globe, click here.

Reflecting on her life in a 1994 interview she said: "I’ve had a very good life, filled with love and family and faith. You can make life good or you can make it bad."

But in May 2008 at the age of 61, Dianne's life was cut short by a power cut that halted the airflow into her lungs.

Despite attempts by family members, including efforts with emergency generators and hand pumps, they couldn't sustain her breathing. Her strength had dwindled significantly in the preceding months.

“We did everything we could do but we couldn’t keep her breathing,” brother-in-law Will Beyer. “Dianne had gotten a lot weaker over the past several months and she just didn’t have the strength to keep going.

“Everyone knew what we were supposed to be doing. It just wasn’t working."

Contracting polio at the age of three, she lived under the care of her parents Freeman and Geneva Odell. Their residence near Jackson, Tennessee, was equipped with emergency measures, but these safeguards failed during the critical moment.

• 

  Half-eaten body found in tiger cage after shoe spotted in beast's mouth at 50p zoo

Dianne's positivity earned her admiration from many. Frank McMeen, president of the West Tennessee Health Care Foundation, hailed her as a remarkably kind and considerate soul, always prioritising the well-being of those around her.

Within the confines of her iron lung, resembling those used during the 1950s polio epidemics, Dianne interacted with visitors through an angled mirror, operated a television via a small blow tube, and communicated through a voice-activated computer.

Though advancements in technology had rendered iron lungs obsolete by the late 1950s, a spinal deformity resulting from polio prevented Dianne from adopting more modern, portable breathing aids.

Despite her physical limitations, she found ways to celebrate life's milestones.

On her 60th birthday in February 2007 she had a party with 200 guests at a hotel. She was given with a towering nine-foot birthday cake and received heartfelt letters from across the country.

Meanwhile, the Daily Star reported a man tragically lost his life when a lightning bolt struck during an outdoor birthday party, injuring three others.

Victor Lescano was celebrating a 15-year-old's birthday in Puma Husai, Argentina, when a thunderstorm rolled in, causing panic among the guests. Victor, 26, was hit by a bolt of electricity along with three other party-goers.

Despite being rushed to hospital, he was sadly declared dead on arrival. Another guest, Betiana Orona, 23, received treatment in hospital while two others needed only first aid. Read the full story here.

• Family
• Health issues
• In the News
• Hospital

Source: Read Full Article