Joe Rollino, Coney Island Strongman, World War II hero died at 104 years old in 2010, he was out for his morning walk and a van hit him... so these things are not all that rare of occurrences, maybe we are more aware because of the ages of these men. Look at all of the bike accidents however, I think when you are starting to get that old, maybe be more observant. Your hearing may not be as good.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_RollinoJoseph Rollino (March 19, 1905 – January 11, 2010) was a decorated World War II veteran, weightlifter, and strongman. The son of Italian immigrants, Rollino dubbed himself the world's strongest man in the 1920s, moving 3,200 pounds (1,500 kg) with his back during the prime of his career.[1]
He was a vegetarian, he got that from his mom who was born in Italy. He did one of those polar bear plunges, I've heard recorded history where interviewed, his paths and Marlon Brando's did cross, So, he was quite a man.
And by the way, it doesn't really matter, tall or short but I do think you'd say he was a pretty short man at that. 5'4", something in that range.