WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Kevin the Great Dane, an Iowa dog recently crowned by Guinness World Records as the world's tallest dog, has died.
Guinness posted to social media on Tuesday to say the 3-year-old pup passed away "following an unplanned surgery after falling ill."
Kevin, who lived in West Des Moines, was named after the character from the popular movie Home Alone, and stood tall at 3'2". That's around the height of an average 3-year-old.
Last year, the previous tallest dog in the world, Zeus, passed away after a leg amputation. Zeus stood at 3'5", only three inches taller than Kevin.
Kevin lived with owners Tracy and Roger Wolfe as well as their kids, 12-year-old Alexander and 10-year-old Ava.
While Kevin's size may have been intimidating for some, his owners described him as a "gentle giant." Apart from his love of snuggles and napping on the couch, he was also terrified of the vacuum cleaner.
"Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy!" the family said in a statement. "We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have the light on him. He absolutely adored the attention."
Tracy, who works at a veterinary clinic, pondered the idea that Kevin didn't fully grasp just how big he was. Kevin was so big, that the baby gate in the door of Tracy's office never stopped him.
The family adopted Kevin while he was a puppy after losing their previous beloved dog Cora, who was also a Great Dane.
"As a puppy, we just kept thinking 'he just keeps growing and growing,'" Tracy recalled. "He's the tallest dog I've ever seen, and to actually have that distinction is really exciting for the family."
Guinness World Records issued the following statement regarding Kevin's passing:
“We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time."
