John Francis Carroll (1932 – August 8, 1969) was an American giant and one of 23 known people in medical history to have reached a height of 8 feet (240 cm). He suffered from severe, 2-dimensional spinal curvature (Kyphoscoliosis) and acromegalic gigantism. He had a standing height of 8 ft 14 in (244 cm) on October 14, 1959, at age 27, but according to calculations, his height would have been 8 ft 8 in (264 cm), assuming normal curvature of the spine. In 1968, he was later measured at 7 ft 10+12 in (240 cm), having shrunk in stature due to his worsening spinal condition.[1][2]

John Francis Carroll
Born1932
DiedAugust 8, 1969(1969-08-08) (aged 36–37)
Other namesBuffalo Giant, Big Red, Jack
Known forThird verified tallest human
Height8 ft 7.75 in (263.52 cm)

Carroll was born in Buffalo, New York, and was known as the Buffalo Giant in medical literature. He was third in stature only to Robert Wadlow and John Rogan. His extraordinary growth started at the age of 16. During his early life, his growth continued despite extensive treatments. At one point he grew eight inches (20 cm) in height in one year. As his condition worsened, his standing height decreased.

He died on August 8, 1969, and was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna, New York.[3]

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References

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  1. ^ Warner, Gene (November 7, 2015). "John Carroll, 'the Giant of South Buffalo,' will be remembered in Philadelphia museum". The Buffalo News. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. ^ Prezio, Joseph A.; Griffin, Joseph E.; O'Brien, John J. (December 1961). "Acromegalic gigantism". The American Journal of Medicine. 31 (6): 966–976. doi:10.1016/0002-9343(61)90039-0. ISSN 0002-9343. OCLC 100758088. PMID 14488703.
  3. ^ "Isle View Park's John F. Carroll Dies at Age 37". Tonawanda News. August 12, 1969. p. 8.