Tallest Man In U.S. Dies In Minnesota At 38

ROCHESTER, MN — Igor Vovkovinskiy, the tallest man in the United States, died in Rochester, Minnesota Friday. He was 38.

Vovkovinskiy stood 7 feet and 8 inches.

He and his family moved from Ukraine to Rochester when he was 7-years-old so he could recieve medical treatment from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, KTTC reports. Vovkovinskiy's height was the result of a tumor that pushed against the pituitary gland, which caused it to release more growth hormones.

Vovkovinskiy graduated from John Marshall high school and Rochester Community and Technical College.

"He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, occasional fishing and travelling, and helping the Ukrainian Army in any way he could," reads his obituary.

Vovkovinskiy is survived by his mother, Svetlana; his brother, Oleh (Alla) Ladan, and his step-sister Olha.

"Sending my deepest sympathy to Igor’s mother," tweeted Gov. Tim Walz. "I had the opportunity to get to know him, and called him a friend. He led an extraordinary life and will be missed."

A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes.