The world's shortest man, He Pingping, has died at the age of 21.

He, a native of China, had a form of primordial dwarfism and measured 74.61cm.

In photos: He Pingping

He was in Rome taking part in a television show when he suffered chest problems.

He was taken to hospital, where he died over the weekend.

Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of London-based Guinness World Records, recalled measuring He in the northern Chinese region of Inner Mongolia in 2008.

"For such a small man, he made a huge impact around the world," Glenday said.

"From the moment I laid on eyes on him, I knew he was someone special, he had such a cheeky smile and mischievous personality, you couldn't help but be charmed by him," he said.

"He brightened up the lives of everyone he met, and was an inspiration to anyone considered different or unusual."

Guinness World Records said it would announce He's successor as the world's shortest man in due course.

Khagendra Thapa Magar, 18, from Nepal, who is reportedly 51cm high, declared in February that he is the rightful holder of the title.

dang! died so young and . . . . small
R.I.P

May his soul rest in Peace!
But damn, I read he was only 33 inches tall.

PingPing is Dead? Poor him!
Barbara D'Urso would miss him Crazy. R.I.P!!

Na dat one ya eyes and mind dey go person die na yekini you dey think about

[s]The last time I was on the yekini driving along a very busy highway [/s] Information reaching me shows that the guy is well loaded there like ozuma rock

I said i was driving along a busy highway, na where i tok say i never don experience am before?

Aww, RIP.