Yes, that's an interesting and somewhat counterintuitive fact. Research has shown a correlation between height and lifespan, with taller people generally having shorter lifespans. One possible explanation is that taller individuals tend to have more cells, which may increase the risk of mutations and, consequently, diseases like cancer. Additionally, taller bodies require more energy, leading to greater metabolic demands that could contribute to aging.

ok, but i'd wager brain cancer (the cause of death in this case) lacks this correlation. And yes RIP, Mutombo seemed like an exceptional person.

Apparently this is enough to explain the difference in men and women longevity.

Born in 1966, retired in 2009, at age 42. Not that uncommon for centers even at the NBA level, but impressive nonetheless. When I was a child in Former Soviet Union, mimicking his iconic finger gesture was a beloved joke on the court -- for us, 5'5" "centers". :) RIP, Dikembe!

He was a legend before he set foot in the NBA.

"After blocking a player's shot, he would point his right index finger at that player and move it side to side."