World's oldest person, 115, dies

TOMAR, Portugal, Jan. 2 (UPI) -- Maria de Jesus died Friday in Portugal at the age of 115 years and 114 days, a mark that had made her the world's oldest person, a family member said.

The unidentified family member said de Jesus, whose age record was verified five weeks ago, died while being transported to a hospital in Portugal, The Sun reported.

No reason was given for why de Jesus was being transported to a hospital.

The 115-year-old earned the designation of the world's oldest living person after U.S. resident Edna Parker died late last year. Parker died at the age of 115 years and 220 days.

The Sun said de Jesus reached her record-setting age in part by never drinking alcohol or coffee, along with eating a steady diet of fish and vegetables. During her life, de Jesus was said to have only visited a hospital once.

The Sun said de Jesus, who was born in 1893, is survived by 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.