World's Shortest Man Dies at Age 21

The beloved Guinness World Record holder of 'world's shortest man', He Pingping, died on Saturday in Rome where he was to take part in a television show.

He Pingping stood only 2 feet, 5.37 inches tall, but had a larger than life personality that won fans all across the world. Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of London-based Guinness World Records, said:

"For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world.

"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 was born in China in 1988 with a form of primordial dwarfism. He was officially measured by Guinness World Records in March 2008 and was recognized as the world's shortest man. According to the TV production company Europroduzione, Pingping was taken to a hospital on March 3 after he fell ill while rehearsing the Italian program "The Record Show." Pingping was then transferred to the intensive care unit two days later where he was found to have a heart condition and high cholesterol. The hospital has so far given the heart condition as to his cause of death. His body will be flown to China once the paperwork is ready.