Lori and George Schappell, the world’s oldest conjoined twins, have died at the age of 62.
Born with their skulls partially fused and sharing 30 percent of their brain, they defied medical odds by living well beyond the expected lifespan for individuals with their condition.
They passed away on April 7 in a Pennsylvania hospital, as confirmed by their obituaries published online by Leibensperger Funeral Homes. The exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
Lori and George gained international recognition not only for their longevity but also for their unique personal identities.
George made headlines in 2007 when he transitioned and began identifying as male, making them the first known same-sex conjoined twins to identify with different genders.
He pursued a career as a country singer, while Lori was an avid ten-pin bowler, winning several accolades.
Despite the challenges posed by their condition, including George’s spina bifida which required him to use a wheelchair—often pushed by Lori—they led active and independent lives.
They lived together in a two-bedroom apartment in Pennsylvania, managing their shared and individual lives with remarkable coordination.
Interestingly, they alternated sleeping in each other’s rooms and maintained privacy using a shower curtain partition during separate shower times.
Their lives were a testament to resilience and autonomy, capturing the attention of the world through their travels and various documentaries.
Guinness World Records, recognizing their unique position in history, expressed sorrow over their passing, noting the significant loss of the longest-living conjoined twins.
