The strange case of a giant of a man killed by something as small as a blister.
The tallest man in recorded history, Robert Wadlow born in 1918, stood at 8 feet 11 inches when he died aged only 22.
He was born into a normal sized family and was of normal size himself. Then he started to grow, and to grow. Aged 8 he towered over his father. His family spent a fortune on clothes for him, especially his custom-made shoes. His height also meant he was very heavy, though not noticeably fat. This put great pressure on his feet which caused discomfort and pain. When he was 18 his doctor noticed something that would kill him in the end. He had no sensation in his feet and could feel absolutely nothing in that area.
Robert with his family.
His size also meant that he was forced to wear a brace on his legs. This led to some chafing on his foot where a blister grew. Due to a lack of feeling he didn’t notice it and the blister soon become worse leading to him developing a fever. His health quickly deteriorated and doctors did all they could at the hotel were he was staying as there were no beds in the local hospital that could accommodate him.
One of the last things he said to his gathered family was, ‘’The doctor says I won’t get home for the celebrations,’’ a reference to the wedding anniversary of his grandparents. He then slipped into unconsciousness and died the next morning.
Robert with his father.
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