Aimee Walker
George and Lori Schappell, the world’s oldest conjoined twins, have tragically died aged 62 years old.
The twins, from Pennsylvania, US, had partially fused skulls, and shared vital blood vessels, as well as 30 per cent of their brain, as per Guinness World Records.
The siblings defied medical odds – living past the age of 30 – and would have successful careers and pursue their passions.
George was interested in music, becoming a country singer, while Lori was a trophy-winning ten-pin bowler.
Sadly, it has now been disclosed that the brother and sister have passed away.
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The siblings previously made headlines after George, whose original name was Dori, came out as transgender in 2007.
It made them the first same-sex conjoined twins to identify with different genders.
In an interview with The Sun, George said he ‘kept his desire hidden‘ from his sister for over four decades.
“I have known from a very young age that I should have been a boy,” he told the publication. “I loved playing with trains and hated girly outfits. I kept my desire to change sex hidden – even from Lori – for many years.”
George admitted it was ‘so tough’ but that he could no longer ‘live a lie’.
In support of her brother, Lori said: “Obviously it was a shock when Dori changed to George, but I am so proud of him.
“It was a huge decision but we have overcome so much in our lives and together we are such a strong team. Nothing can break that.”
The brother and sister appeared in numerous documentaries and TV shows to discuss their lives.
In one particular doc, the pair were asked whether they wished to be seperated and George responded: “Absolutely not. My theory is: why fix what is not broken?”
While Lori told the Los Angeles Times: “I don’t believe in separation. I think you are messing with God’s work.”
Footage shows Lori – who was able-bodied – assisting George, who had a condition known as spina bifida.
The pair reportedly lived in a two-bedroom flat in Pennsylvania and would shower individually and practise their own separate hobbies.
Apparently, they would ‘zone out’ while the other was pursuing their interests through reading or listening to music.
“It’s the little things that intrigue people the most,” George said. “I don’t drink but Lori loves a vodka and orange occasionally. She can feel terrible with a hangover and I’ll feel absolutely fine as our bodies are completely separate.”
While Lori has been documented saying: “Just because we cannot get up and walk away from each other, doesn’t mean we cannot have solitude from other people or ourselves.”
The pair also touched upon the subject of death, refuting the idea that if one of them were to pass, it would mean death for the other.
“No, it would not. That’s another misconception,” Lori stated in a documentary.
George weighed in, explaining: “If it’s caught early enough, we could both be rushed to the hospital and then in an emergency, quickly be separated to save the other one.”
According to an obituary posted online by Leibensperger Funeral Homes, George and Lori died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on April 7.
The cause of death remains unknown at the time of writing.
George and Lori are survived by their father, six siblings, several nieces and nephews, and an extended family of friends, according to the obituaries.
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