- guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 16 March 2010 00.47 GMT
The world's shortest man, He Pingping, who was just 2ft 5in (74.6cm) tall has died in Rome.
He, who was from China, died on Saturday in the Italian capital where he was taking part in a television show, after being admitted to hospital suffering chest pains. He was 21 years old.
Born in Wulanchabu, in northern China's Inner Mongolia region, with a form of primordial dwarfism, He officially became the world's smallest man in 2008 when Guinness World Records measured him at 74.6cm.
Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of London-based Guinness World Records measured He in his hometown in China.
"For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world," he said. "From the moment I laid 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."
He, who at birth was no bigger than the palm of his father's hand, was a chain-smoker and reportedly a ladies' man despite his height.
Inner Mongolia is also home to Bao Xishun, the former world's tallest man.
Guinness World Records said He's successor will be announced at a later date.
Khagendra Thapa Magar, 18, from Nepal, who is reportedly 51cm tall, believes he is the rightful holder of the title. He travelled to Europe last year to lobby Guinness World Records to measure him for the accolade.