Hughes insisted on using tissues to pick up objects to insulate himself from germs. He would also notice dust, stains, or other imperfections on people's clothes and demand that they take care of them. Once one of the most visible men in America, Hughes ultimately vanished from public view, although tabloids continued to follow rumors of his behavior and whereabouts. He was reported to be terminally ill, mentally unstable, or even dead.
huGhEs INsISTeD On UsING tiSsues to PicK uP ObjEcTs to InsulAte hiMself from GErms. HE wOuld alSO notice dust, staiNs, or otheR imPErfeCtiOns on people's clotheS AnD dEMANd that theY take CaRE of thEm. onCe one Of tHe moSt vIsibLE men In ameRICa, hUgHes ultIMATeLy vaniSHed FrOm puBlic View, alThOUgh tabloids COntinuEd to fOllow RumoRs of his behaVIOR and whereabOUtS. he WaS repOrted To bE TerminalLy IlL, MentallY unsTAblE, oR EVeN dead.