Shomari 'Peedie' Snipes, 14 Rare aging disease claims young victim
News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC) - Tuesday, March 10, 1992
DURHAM -- Shomari "Peedie" Snipes, a Burlington boy who gained national attention when a rare disease aged his body to that of an old man, has died of heart failure at age 14.
The boy died at 11:32 p.m. Sunday at Duke University Medical Center after his family decided to disconnect life support, said Sean Snipes, his brother.
Peedie, a victim of progeria, had undergone triple-bypass heart surgery Friday. His health had deteriorated rapidly in recent weeks. He spent a week at Duke Medical Center in February after experiencing severe chest pains.
His family had begun to realize Peedie did not have much longer to live, said Susan Snipes, his mother. Peedie had told his mother he did not want special efforts made to save his life. She signed papers sealing that wish.
Last week, however, the severity of the chest pains led Peedie to change his mind about open-heart surgery that could potentially ease his anguish, the Daily Times-News of Burlington reported Monday.
Peedie had been on a life-support machine and unconscious since the surgery was performed, Mrs. Snipes said.
After leaving the hospital last month, Peedie was the subject of benefits and honors from various groups. He also had a wish to meet Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls basketball star, fulfilled when he flew with family members to Atlanta for a game against the Hawks.
Peedie got a closed-door meeting with Mr. Jordan, a former star at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and then a courtside seat for the game.
Despite the sometimes-crippling disease, Peedie participated in many things most youngsters do. He attended public schools, and the sight of him being carried on the shoulders of friends at basketball games was a common sight in Burlington.
Peedie also loved video games, playing in the arcade at Holly Hill Mall and tackling Nintendo at home.
While much of his life was normal, Peedie was constantly reminded of the progeria that attacked his body. His stature was slight and his appearance that of an old man.
His movement was restricted by the disease, and he suffered chest pains with which most youngsters never have to deal.
Peedie had started his freshman year at Cummings High School but left in February when his chest pains increased. It was a blow for students who had come to know and love Peedie, principal Robert Logan said.
Peedie met with other progeria victims in Orlando, Fla., in 1989 and again at Williamsburg, Va., in 1991. The support meetings introduced Peedie to many of the other living victims, estimated to be about 20 worldwide.
Peedie is survived by his mother; a sister, Sonya, 20; and brothers Sean, 17, and Mikey, 15.