Techotic

Sandy Allen, who held the Guiness World Record as the world’s tallest woman died yesterday in a Shelbyville nursing home. She was only 53 year old.

At 7 feet, 7 inches tall she used her height to inspire schoolchildren to accept those who are different. The caused of her death was not yet known, but Sandy suffered from numerous health problems such as, blood infection, along with diabetes, breathing troubles and kidney failure.

In London, Guinness World Records spokesman Damian Field confirmed Wednesday that Allen was still listed as the tallest woman. Some Web sites cite a 7-foot-9 woman from China.

Allen weighed 6-1/2 pounds when she was born in June 1955. By the age of 10 she had grown to be 6-foot-3, and by age 16 she was 7-1

She wrote to Guinness World Records in 1974, saying she would like to get to know someone her own height.

“It is needless to say my social life is practically nil and perhaps the publicity from your book may brighten my life,” she wrote.

[via chicagotribune]