World’s shortest man dies aged 27

Khagendra Thapa Magar suffered from heart problems, asthma and pneumonia, friends say

The world’s shortest man has died at the age of 27.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, from Nepal, measured 67.08cm (2ft 2.41in) and was recognised as the world’s shortest man who could walk by Guinness World Records (GWR).

Magar had been suffering from heart problems, asthma and pneumonia, friends told GWR.

He was admitted to hospital in Nepal on Thursday and died on Friday.

GWR recognises two categories for people of short stature: mobile and non-mobile. Magar’s height made him the shortest mobile man on the planet, at 7cm taller than Philipino Junrey Balawing, who measures 59.93cm (1ft 11.5in) and who is unable to walk or stand unaided due to the medical condition osteogenesis imperfecta.

Magar was born in the Baglung district of Nepal on 14 October 1992, and was confirmed to be the shortest male teenager in early 2010.

He was officially measured at Fewa City Hospital on his 18th birthday in 2010, when he became the world’s shortest mobile man.

His father remembered: “He was so tiny when he was born that he could fit in the palm of your hand, and it was very hard to bathe him because he was so small.”

As Magar became famous he was appointed as a Nepalese goodwill ambassador for tourism.

GWR documented a day in his life in December 2018, showing him spending time at his family’s shop, playing the guitar and travelling around his home town on a motorbike with his brother.

“We’re terribly sad to hear the news from Nepal that Khagendra is no longer with us, Craig Gelnday, GWR’s editor in chief, said.

“His bright smile was so infectious that he melted the hearts of anyone who met him.

“As many people of short stature experience, life can be challenging when you weigh just 6kg and you don’t fit into a world built for the average person.

“But Khagendra certainly didn’t let his small size stop him from getting the most out of life. It’s been an honour to know him and his family, and a privilege to share his story with the world.”

The record for world’s shortest living mobile man has reverted back to Edward Hernandez, who measures 70.21cm (2ft 3.46in).