Indianapolis ? Sandy Allen, a woman who grew to be 7 feet, 7 inches tall and was recognized as the world’s tallest female died early Wednesday, a friend said. She was 53.

Allen died at a nursing home in her hometown of Shelbyville, Ind., friend Rita Rose said.

The cause of death was not yet known. Allen had been hospitalized in recent months as she suffered from a recurring blood infection, along with diabetes, breathing troubles and kidney failure, Rose said.

Guinness World Records spokesman Damian Field confirmed Wednesday that Allen was still listed as the tallest woman. Some Web sites cite a 7-foot-9 woman from China.