Manute Bol, a Sudanese-American professional basketball player and political activist, died from acute kidney failure and complications from Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in 2010 at the age of 47.

SJS is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. Typically caused by an adverse reaction to medication, it starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, common eye problems associated with SJS include conjunctivitis, ulceration of the eyelids, iritis, corneal blisters and corneal perforation. Conjunctival and corneal scarring are common after the acute stage of the disease, leading to reduced or loss of vision.

At 7’6” (2.29m) Bol and Gheorghe Mureșan are tied as the tallest players in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considered among the sport’s best ever shot-blockers, Bol was the only NBA player to retire with more career blocked shots than points scored. Off-court, he was a passionate activist for human rights in his native Sudan. According to reports, Bol made nearly US$6 million during his 10-year career and, aside from a few luxuries, spent it all trying to save lives and educate children in his war-torn homeland.