Footage from 1936 shows the tallest man to ever live, Robert Wadlow. Robert passed away in July 1940 due to complications from a faulty leg brace that caused irritation and infection in his ankle. Despite receiving treatment including a blood transfusion and surgery, his condition deteriorated further due to an autoimmune disease. He passed away in his sleep on July 15. At the time of his death he measured 8 ft 11.1 in tall. His coffin was 10 feet 9 inches long and weighed over 1,000 pounds. It required twelve pallbearers and eight assistants for transportation.