American Sandy Allen, recognized as the tallest woman in the world, has died age 53 at her nursing home in Shelbyville, Indiana. She was 7 ft 7¼ in (232 cm) in height.
Even though she was officially named as the worlds tallest woman by the Guinness Book of World Records several websites list Yao Defen as the tallest. Yao's official height is disputed, however.
Allen's height is brought on by a tumor in her pituitary gland that caused it to release growth hormone uncontrollably. She had surgery at age 22.
In 1978 she appeared in the film Fellini's Casanova. She also appeared in a TV movie called Side Show and in a Canadian/American documentary film called Being Different. New Zealand band Split Enz wrote the song "Hello Sandy Allen" about her.
Because of physical limitation, she spent her last years in a retirement center. The center, coincidentally, is where Edna Parker lives. Parker has been recognized as the oldest living person in the world at age 115.
Reported by WIKINEWS
* "World's tallest woman dies in Indiana at age 53". Associated Press, August 13, 2008
* "Sandy Allen, world's tallest woman, dies in Shelbyville". The Indianapolis Star, August 3, 2008
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Comments
#1 wow the worlds tallest woman
wow the worlds tallest woman i cant believe it alot of people will miss her very much i love that movie she played on!!
#2 Sandra is the world tallest woman
SANDY ALLEN IS SUCH A SWEET LADY, IT'S SO SAD TO HEAR THAT SHE IS GONE NOW AT SUCH AN EARLY AGE!
MAY YOU FOREVER BE WITH THE ANGELS AND MAY YOU ALWAY REST IN PEACE WITH ALL OF GOD'S HEAVENLY BLESSINGS!
GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY