Sylvanus Smith

Sylvanus “Hambone” Smith III (December 12, 1940 – June 14, 1995) was famous at the time of his life for his chronic obesity.

Early life

Hambone said he weighed at birth, and was raised by parents who ordered kids to clean their plates, and fed them candy to keep them from crying. He weighed by age 11. By 1991, he could no longer stand or walk, and was confined to his bed.

Adult life

At his peak, Hambone weighed approximately , making him one of the world’s heaviest living persons. Hambone had to be taken to the local hospital using a pickup truck, and he was lifted out of his room using a forklift truck. He lost around during his stay in the hospital, but later regained it upon returning home. He was reportedly desperate to lose weight before marrying his fiancée, Tammy Humphrey.

Death

On June 14, 1995, Hambone died. According to the coroner, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes lead to his death. He was buried in Tifton, Georgia.

See also

• List of the heaviest people