How Did Robert Waldow Die

Robert Waldow, also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, was the tallest person in recorded history. Standing at an incredible height of 8 ft 11.1 in and weighing 439 lb, he captivated the world with his remarkable stature.

Tragically, Robert Waldow’s life was cut short at the young age of 22. The cause of his death was an infection that developed from a leg injury he sustained while wearing a brace during an appearance at the Manistee National Forest Festival.

Despite receiving medical attention, his condition worsened, and he ultimately passed away in his sleep at the Hotel Chippewa in Manistee.

Let’s delve into the extraordinary life of Robert Waldow, the struggles he faced due to his immense size, and the details surrounding his tragic death.

The Life and Struggles of Robert Waldow

Robert Waldow, born on February 22, 1918, in Alton, Illinois, was a remarkable individual known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois. He quickly surpassed the height of his father and stood at an astonishing 8 ft 4 in tall by the time of his graduation from Alton High School in 1936.

Waldow’s extraordinary stature was the result of a medical condition known as hypertrophy of his pituitary gland, which caused excessive production of human growth hormone. This condition not only contributed to his towering height but also presented various challenges throughout his life.

Despite his immense size, Waldow remained a gentle and inspiring figure. He faced numerous struggles, including foot injuries and the constant need for custom-made shoes, but his determination and positive attitude never wavered.

The hardships he experienced due to his immense size did not deter him from living a fulfilling life. Robert Waldow serves as a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

The Tragic Infection

While attending the Manistee National Forest Festival in Michigan in 1940, Robert Waldow suffered a leg injury from a poorly fitted iron brace. This injury caused a blister on his right ankle, which eventually became infected. Despite receiving medical treatment, including surgery and a blood transfusion, Waldow’s condition continued to deteriorate due to an autoimmune disease. Tragically, he succumbed to the infection and passed away in his sleep on July 15, 1940.

The Legacy of Robert Waldow

After his tragic passing, Robert Waldow was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery, located in Upper Alton, Illinois. His funeral was a solemn affair that drew an estimated 40,000 mourners, who came from far and wide to pay their respects. As people lined up for blocks to bid farewell to the beloved Alton Giant, a sense of sorrow hung in the air.

The funeral procession, a somber tribute to Waldow’s extraordinary life, included a massive steel coffin that had been specially constructed to accommodate his immense size. It was a poignant reminder of the physical challenges he had faced throughout his life. Waldow’s family, aware of the morbid curiosity surrounding his colossal stature, decided to destroy most of his belongings to prevent them from becoming macabre mementos.

However, one significant relic remains as a testament to Robert Waldow’s remarkable journey. A pair of his size 37 shoes is currently on display at Snyder’s Shoes in Manistee, Michigan, offering a tangible connection to the man who defied expectations. In addition, Alton, Illinois, where Waldow was born and raised, has erected a life-size bronze statue in his honor. This memorial serves as a lasting reminder of the impact he made on the world and his enduring legacy.