What Happened to Martha Ann Lillard?
Martha Ann Lillard was an American polio survivor who became the last known person in the United States to rely on an iron lung for breathing. She contracted polio at age five in 1953 and used the machine for over seven decades, defying predictions she wouldn't live past 20. Lillard passed away on June 26, 2026, at the age of 78, due to complications from long COVID-19, chronic pulmonary failure, and post-polio syndrome.
Quick Answer
Martha Ann Lillard, the last known American polio survivor to depend on an iron lung, died on June 26, 2026, at the age of 78. She had used the mechanical respirator since contracting polio in 1953 when she was five years old. Her death was attributed to complications from long COVID-19, chronic pulmonary failure, and post-polio syndrome. Lillard lived a remarkable life, marrying twice and advocating for animal rescue, despite her severe physical limitations.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma
Martha Ann Lillard was born in Shawnee, Oklahoma.
Contracts Polio
Shortly after her fifth birthday, Martha Lillard contracted polio, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure.
Begins Using Iron Lung
Lillard was placed in an iron lung to help her breathe, a device she would rely on for the rest of her life.
Trapped During Ice Storm
Lillard became trapped in her iron lung when an ice storm caused a power outage and her emergency generator failed, an experience she described as 'like being buried alive'.
NBC News Interview
In an NBC News interview, Lillard stated that being placed in the iron lung initially brought her 'huge relief'.
Featured in NPR Segment
NPR's Radio Diaries and All Things Considered featured Lillard, highlighting her struggle to find replacement parts for her aging machine.
Becomes Last US Iron Lung User
Following the death of Paul Alexander, Martha Lillard became the last known person in the United States to still rely on an iron lung.
Husband Saves Her During Power Outage
Lillard struggled to breathe during a tornado-induced power outage when her generator failed, but her husband saved her life with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Marries Baha Salh
After 22 years of online courtship, Lillard married Baha Salh, who was finally able to obtain a visa to travel to Oklahoma.
Photo in Iron Lung Published
A photo of Martha Lillard resting in her iron lung in Shawnee, Oklahoma, was taken and later widely published after her death.
Dies at Age 78
Martha Ann Lillard passed away in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 78.
Death Announced Publicly
Lillard's death was widely reported by news outlets, with her sister Cindy McVey confirming the details and attributing it to long-haul COVID-19.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Martha Ann Lillard's life was defined by her resilience in the face of severe physical challenges, primarily her lifelong dependence on an iron lung. Born on June 8, 1948, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, she contracted polio in 1953 at the age of five, a disease that paralyzed her and necessitated the use of a negative pressure ventilator, commonly known as an iron lung, to breathe. Despite being told she wouldn't live past 20, Lillard lived to be 78, a testament to her determination and the continuous function of her machine.
Throughout her life, Lillard preferred the iron lung over more modern ventilation methods, finding it to be the most efficient and comfortable. She adapted to her unique circumstances, receiving a partial education at home and attending high school via an intercom system. Her family even customized a trailer for road trips, allowing her to travel with her iron lung. However, her reliance on the aging technology presented significant challenges, including instances where power outages and generator failures left her in life-threatening situations, such as during an ice storm in the early 21st century and a tornado in 2025.
A key turning point in her later life was the death of Paul Alexander in March 2024, which made her the last known person in the United States to still use an iron lung. This brought renewed attention to her story and the dwindling number of polio survivors dependent on the device. In February 2026, Lillard married Baha Salh, whom she had courted online for 22 years, after he was able to obtain a visa to travel to Oklahoma.
In the years leading up to her death, Lillard's health declined, exacerbated by two bouts of COVID-19. Before contracting the virus, she had less than 25% lung capacity, and in her final two years, she relied on the iron lung nearly 24 hours a day. Martha Ann Lillard passed away on June 26, 2026, at her home in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her sister, Cindy McVey, attributed her death to the effects of long-haul COVID-19, while her death certificate listed chronic pulmonary failure and post-polio syndrome as contributing causes. Her passing marks the end of an era, symbolizing the near-eradication of polio in the United States and the obsolescence of the iron lung as a primary respiratory aid.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Martha Ann Lillard made different choices?