Conjoined twins Lori and George Schappell, who previously held the record for the oldest living conjoined twins, have passed away at the age of 62. The twins died on April 7 at the University of Pennsylvania, with the cause of death not disclosed.
Born in 1961, the Schappell twins were craniopagus twins, meaning they had separate bodies but partially fused skulls and shared vital blood vessels and brain tissue. They were conjoined by the forehead facing in opposite directions and were unable to see each other.
Despite their unique condition, the twins led independent lives, with Lori excelling as a trophy-winning bowler and George pursuing a career as a country singer. They were featured in various documentaries and talk shows throughout their lives and even appeared in Ryan Murphy’s FX drama Nip/Tuck.
While the twins often traveled the world together, they maintained separate residences and pursued their own hobbies. Despite their challenges, they always expressed a desire to remain together, with George stating in a documentary, “Why fix what is not broken?”
The Schappell twins are survived by their father, Franklin G. Schappell, six siblings, and nieces and nephews. Their passing marks the end of an era for the remarkable pair who captured the world’s attention with their unique bond and unwavering love for each other.