In sad news today Shiloh Pepin, Mermaid girl has died. The little girl who was born with fused legs, a condition called sirenomelia or “mermaid syndrome” passed away after a cold turned into pneumonia. Read more and see a picture here.

shiloh pepin





Little Shiloh Pepin was only expected to live a few days after birth, but being a “tough little thing” she beat those odds. She was born with fused legs, which is a rare condition called sirenomelia or “mermaid syndrome.”

We saw her incredible story on several television shows, including her recent Oprah interview where she touched the heart of people across the world. She was a fighter, and seemed to love every minute of her life, despite her condition.

While some children born with mermaid syndrome may be able to have surgery to separate their legs, it was impossible for Shiloh, as the blood vessels in her legs crossed from side to side in her circulatory system and would have been severed during surgery. She had one partially working kidney and had received two kidney transplants, with the last back in 2007.

On October 10th, Shiloh was rushed to Maine Medical Center for a cold, which turned into pneumonia. She was placed on antibiotics and a ventilator, and seemed to improve for a while, but her health soon began declining. She died Friday afternoon.

Shiloh, a fifth-grader at Kennebunkport Consolidated School was described as “such a shining personality in that building.” Counselors will be available next week to talk to students.

Our condolences to Shiloh’s family.

Please enjoy a few videos below of beautiful little Shiloh Pepin “Mermaid Girl” and leave your thoughts in the comment section.