World's oldest person dies at age 115

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- A hospital administrator in Los Angeles says Gertrude Baines, the world's oldest person, died Friday at the age of 115.

Western Convalescent Hospital administrator Emma Camanag told the Los Angeles Times that Baines, who was born April 6, 1894, died of unspecified causes Friday, months after the Gerontology Research Group named her the oldest person in the world.

The research group, which verifies extreme old age claims, deemed Baines the world's oldest person after 115-year-old Maria de Jesus of Portugal died on Jan. 2.

The resulting increase in media attention was not entirely welcomed by Baines, who questioned why her regular routine had to be interrupted by curious reporters.

"Why all these questions?" she once asked reporters. "I want to know."

The Los Angeles resident even received birthday wishes from U.S. President Barack Obama and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in April when she turned 115.

The Times said Baines is succeeded as the world's oldest person by 114-year-old Kama Chinen of Japan who was born May 10, 1895.