Sammy Basso, an Italian suffering from premature aging, died at the age of 28.
According to Italian media, he was the oldest patient in the world affected by this disease.
He was the oldest patient in the world affected by this disease. Sammy Basso, an Italian suffering from progeria (or Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome), has died at the age of 28, Italian media announced. Many public figures immediately praised his courage in his fight against this disease which is characterized by premature aging.
Sammy Basso died on Saturday evening after feeling unwell while dining with friends in a restaurant, according to Italian media. The latter specified that no other patient suffering from progeria had reached such an age. Life expectancy at birth is generally around 13 years.
“The strength of the soul can overcome all obstacles”
“Sammy Basso was an extraordinary example of courage, faith and positive spirit. He faced every challenge with a smile, proving that strength of soul can overcome any obstacle.”wrote the head of government Giorgia Meloni on X. “His commitment to progeria research and his ability to inspire others will forever be a role model.“, she added.
Born on December 1, 1995 in northern Italy, Sammy Basso studied at university in Padua and specialized in molecular biology in 2021 with a thesis seeking to clarify the relationship between inflammation and progeria, according to the daily The Republic. Sammy Basso was active on social networks, followed by more than 70,000 people on Instagram.