Not to make anyone depressed, but...
World’s shortest man dies in ItalyMarch 13, 2010
By QMI Agency
He Pingping, the world's shortest walking man, died on the weekend at the age of 21.
Born in Huade County in Wulanchabu, China, with a form of primordial dwarfism, Pingping measured just two feet, five inches.
He was in Rome to appear on a local television show when he was taken to hospital with chest pains. He died a few days later on March 13, according to a Guinness World Records statement.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Pingping back in 2008 in Inner Mongolia," said Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday. Glenday was the first person to confirm Pingping's status as the world's shortest man.
"From the moment I laid on eyes on him I knew he was someone special ‹ he had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn't help but be charmed by him. He brightened up the lives of everyone he met, and was an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual.”
Pingping, who was reportedly smaller than his father's palm at birth, was a chain smoker since the age of seven, and considered a ladies' man, according to the Guardian newspaper.
He didn't shy away from fame, often appearing in the media and at Guinness launches around the world.
On his Facebook profile page he joked, "Please Invite Your Friends and share the love, there's plenty of me to go around."
“Pingping showed us that, despite the challenges we face, we can still make the most out of life, and for such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world,” Glenday said.
“Everyone at Guinness World Records is very saddened by the loss of such a wonderful, engaging, fascinating character – he will be greatly missed and we would like to offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
At least he got to be on the race.