Patrick Cotter O'Brien

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Patrick Cotter O'Brien (1760 - September 18, 1806), was the first of only twelve people in medical history to stand at a verified height of eight feet (2,4 meters) or more. O'Brien was born in Kinsale, County Cork, Ireland. His real name was Patrick Cotter and he adopted O'Brien as his stage name in the sideshow circuit. Also known as the Bristol Giant and the Irish Giant.

It is believed he died from the effects of the disease gigantism. In 1972 his remains were examined and it was determined that, while alive, he stood approximately 8 feet 1 inches (246 cm.) tall. This made him the tallest person ever at that time, a record that would be surpassed by the next 'eight-footer', John Rogan, who died almost a century later.