Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Tanya Angus Obituary
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A Las Vegas woman who suffered a rare disorder that made it impossible for her to stop growing has died. Tanya Angus was 34.
Karen Strutynski says her daughter stood 7 feet 2 inches and weighed about 400 pounds when she died Monday, apparently from a tear in her heart.
Angus was 5 feet 8 as a teenager and had modeled on runways before she was diagnosed with acromegaly, or gigantism, at age 22.
She grew so much over the next decade that her rings had to be modified, she had to use custom utensils, and she got around in a motorized wheelchair.
Strutynski says her daughter was sometimes depressed about the condition but also saw it as a gift from God and an opportunity to help others with the disorder.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Teresa Parks
July 27, 2025
My thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends. May Tanya rest in peace. I am so sorry you had to endure so much. Life surely isn't fair. Your story has touched many lives.
Joy ketelhut
June 25, 2025
Tanya I'm so sorry you were not diagnosed when younger. You were beautiful. I'm sad you died so young.
T R Harris
August 19, 2024
I just saw a documentary on Tanya. Tears of joy streamed down my face when the doctor announced that Tanya had stopped growing. Tears flowed again when they announced her passing. My condolences to a family so strong, loving and devoted. Tanya was blessed to have you all, and the world was blessed to have Tanya. Your efforts and her life were not in vain, as 10 years after her passing Tanya is still touching lives. May God bless you all.
Deborah Edgerton
June 6, 2024
Tanya, Thank you for your story. We all think we know what our lives will be--or have an idea of them--until something unexpected happens, as it did to you. I am sorry that this illness occurs and hope that a cure will be found (in fact, I think one has). But nevertheless, this Earth is a better place for you having walked on it. I am sorry but I am grateful as well; and never knew you but wish I had. Sincerely, Deborah Edgerton, an admirer
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Coreen lang
May 29, 2024
Unfortunately I seen the tlc episode with tanya after she had passed, I live in bc canada and was compelled to reach out to her family .watching Tanya's story effected me in such a deep and spiritual way, I cried for her pain and cried for her passing .She must be one of God's special angels ,as she reach so many corners of the world in such an incredible way I pray for healing and peace for her family .I will never forget her, she was a very special lady .a messenger of hope
Gary Talis
May 29, 2024
I just watched the documentary on Tanya on TLC called help I’m turning into a Giant. I live in Sun City Anthem in Henderson Nevada and wanted to meet her. Looked up her name and was devastated that she had passed way in January of 2014. I wish I could have met her, she seemed like a very sociable and beautiful person. She had a glow to her. She is definitely in a better place. To her family God Bless you all.
Sincerely
Gary T
February 10, 2024
I just saw the Tanya's story on Medical Mysteries. I wish I had known her personally. She was so strong and determined. Thank you for sharing your story, Tanya. Rest in Peace.
Chrissy Read
July 28, 2023
I live in Australia . I’ve never seen your story until today, I wish I could have known you. You were an amazing woman. You’ll be with me forever after seeing your story.
RIP TANYA
Envie Sericin
June 5, 2020
I'm not really sure how to word this, or why I feel so compelled to write, but nothing has touched my heart or envoked such deep emotion in me as much as a short little documentary I saw about Tanya recently. I was really enamored with her bright presence and the kindness and love and humor she emitted. The whole time I was watching it, I kept wishing to myself that I could be her friend, or somehow take away her pain. I broke into tears when I found this. I really think she is a truly special soul who will live on forever, and although I never met her, and only very recently found out about her, I know she'll be alive in my heart endlessly. I believe God makes some people endure more so that their next live will be extraordinary. God bless, sending peace and love.
Lisa Khalek
January 29, 2020
I just now saw the show on TLC I'm so very sorry for your loss. Tanya really seem to bring the life to the party. Thank you for sharing your story.
Paulett Augustus
August 7, 2019
Sympathies and blessings to Tanya's family. May you continue to keep her memories in your hearts. I just saw her documentary and I found myself parting and crying as I decided to go and research how she was doing only to see the sad outcome. My heart felt condolences. From my family in Belize
Olivia Miller
May 28, 2019
I just watched a documentary on Tonya's life today and knowing that she passed away just crushed me. She was and still is a truly inspiring young woman and you really could tell that she was just an amazing and wonderful soul. She was truly an angel and I hope she rests in peace.
Imani Tregre
May 7, 2019
I just watched a documentary on Tonyas life. It was very inspiring. I am certain that she did not get everything that she wanted in life but she did get most of the things she wanted in life. And I will always think about her saying what her friend told her, anything is possible. That has helped me tremendously today. I want to thank you for sharing your life and being a blessing to me and others around the world. also to your mom and your sister you never gave up. What a wonderful testament .
Debra Burnham
April 16, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marti B
April 13, 2019
I watched a documentary today (April 2019) and found your life's journey. I was sad to learn of your death. I was so moved by your incredible bravery. I just wanted to leave a short note to wish you a peaceful journey and that your family finds the joy in their memories.
February 5, 2019
In loving memory of a strong woman.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Tanya Angus's name
How to support Tanya's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tanya Angus's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
