Kim Peek, 'Rain Man' inspiration dies at 58

[Elmore Furth]

Kim Peek who inspired Dustin Hoffman's performance in 'Rain Man' memorized at least 9,000 books before he died. The usual history of savants doesn't make being really smart seem all that cool.

Kim Peek was considered one of the ten greatest savants in the world.

http://www.mindpowernews.com/Savants.htm

SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Kim Peek, the Utah savant who was the inspiration for the Raymond character in the 1988 film "Rain Man," has died of a heart attack, his family said.

He was 58.

The Salt Lake Tribune said a funeral for Peek, who suffered an upper respiratory infection in the weeks leading up to his death, is scheduled for Tuesday.

"He had a depth and breadth of knowledge and a memory that was just unbelievable," Daniel Christensen, a professor with the University of Utah's Neuropsychiatric Institute, told the newspaper this week. "He was unique. I don't know if there will ever be another person quite like Kim."



'Rain Man' inspiration dies at 58

[Pithlet]

1. I was sad to hear this.

I had just recently watched show that featured him. He was a fascinating man. He was thrilled at his newfound fame after Rainman. It really changed his life for the better. His father was so devoted to him all these years. This must be a very hard time for him :(