Iranian man dies at age 94 after living without washing for 50 years. A recluse who was called “the world’s dirtiest man” by the media passed away at age 94, only a few months after getting his first wash in decades.
Amou Haji has avoided using soap and water for more than 50 years out of concern over getting sick.
The Iranian, who resided in the province of Fars in the south, had resisted prior efforts by villagers to clean him up. However, according to the local media, Amou Haji finally gave in to pressure and washed a few months ago.
He fell unwell shortly after, and according to Iran’s IRNA news agency, he passed away on Sunday.
He explained to the source at the time that “emotional setbacks” when he was younger were the cause of his unorthodox decisions.
He had “soot and pus” covering his skin from years of not bathing, according to IRNA, and his diet had included rotten meat and contaminated water from an old oil can.
He also enjoyed smoking; on at least one occasion, he was seen lighting up multiple cigarettes at once.
He became depressed when someone tried to bathe him or give him clean water to drink, according to the news agency.
There has been considerable disagreement regarding whether he actually holds the record for going the longest without taking a bath. An Indian man who hadn’t bathed or cleaned his teeth in 35 years was described in stories from back in 2009. It was unclear right away what had transpired since.
