TALLEST MAN IN THE US DIES

Igor Vovkovinskjy has died. Certified the tallest man in the United States by the Guinness World Records in 2010, the 38-year-old died from heart complications.

Originally from the Ukraine, Igor was brought to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in 1989. He was sent to the United States to receive medical care for his condition. CNN reports that a tumour pressing against his pituitary gland caused it to secrete excessive amounts of growth hormone.

In 2010 he received the certificate to make it official that he was the tallest man in the United States. Igor was almost 2.4 metres tall. He beat the other contestant for the title with a third of an inch.

During Obama’s presidential campaign rally in 2009, Igor stood out because of his length. It’s clear that he had a good sense of humour because on that day he wore a shirt that said ‘World’s biggest Obama supporter’. It made such an impact that Obama walked through the crowds to shake his hand.

A memorial service was held for him over the weekend.

Watch the CNN video below to see just how tall Igor was and what a big, literally, impact he made on those around him.

Image credit: NPR