Archive · 9 Jan 2026
South African Centenarian Dies After Asthma Attack
A very old man named Jan Steenberg, also known as Oom Jan, from South Africa, passed away just hours after celebrating his 121st birthday.
He had been smoking since he was 14 years old and believed his faith in God kept him alive for so long.
Oom Jan lived through many important world events, like the World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
He worked as a grave digger, fisherman, and golf caddie.
He had two daughters, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and four dogs and a cat as pets.
Even though he was very old, he was not recognized as the oldest man in the world by the Guinness World Records.
His family was with him when he died, and he was known for being the oldest person at a special award ceremony for senior citizens.
Jan Steenberg, known as Oom Jan, died from an asthma attack hours after turning 121.
He claimed to be born on December 31, 1904, but Guinness World Records did not recognize him as the oldest man.
Oom Jan attributed his long life to his faith in God and a herbal drink he consumed regularly.
He worked as a grave digger, fisherman, and golf caddie and witnessed major world events like the World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oom Jan is survived by two daughters, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his pets: four dogs and a cat.
- Who
- Jan Steenberg (Oom Jan), a South African man who claimed to be 121 years old
- What
- Died from an asthma attack hours after his birthday
- When
- January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day)
- Where
- Colchester, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Why
- Suffered an asthma attack, despite his long life and faith in God
- Name
- Jan Steenberg (Oom Jan)
- Age
- 121 (claimed)
- Date of Birth
- December 31, 1904 (claimed)
- Date of Death
- January 1, 2026
- Location of Death
- Colchester, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Occupations
- Grave digger, fisherman, golf caddie
- Survivors
- Two daughters, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren
- Pets
- Four dogs and one cat