Neil Fingleton, the tallest player in Holy Name High and Holy Cross basketball histories and an adopted Worcester son, passed away Saturday in his native Durham, England, according to multiple reports.

Fingleton was 36.

According to the Mirror, of London, UK, he reportedly died of heart failure on Saturday.

Fingleton, who stood 7-foot-6, shot to local celebrity status when he arrived here, on his own, at age 16, and starred for coach J.P. Ricciardi at Holy Name. As a junior, Fingleton helped lead the Naps to the 1999 Central Mass. Division 1 championship.

His senior season at HN, Fingleton earned McDonald’s All-American status.

Fingleton spent two years at the University of North Carolina before transferring to Holy Cross. Playing for coach Ralph Willard, Fingleton appeared in 33 games over two seasons, which were hampered by various injuries.

After playing professionally in Spain, China, Italy, Greece and England, Fingleton turned his attention to acting.

In 2014, Fingleton played the giant Mag the Mighty in the HBO TV series "Game of Thrones." He played the villain The Fisher King in "Doctor Who." He also appeared in several movies.

Fingleton gained more fame in 2007 when Guinness World Records validated the 7-foot-7.56-inch Fingleton as the United Kingdom’s tallest living man.

Fingleton remained true to his Durham, England, roots, but Worcester embraced Fingleton and the city became his home away from home.

During his years at Holy Name, Fingleton lived in Worcester with Phil and Meg Giarusso, who are friends of Ricciardi. Holy Cross legend Togo Palazzi was one of his mentors. He maintained strong friendships with the Giarussos as well several former Holy Name teammates.

“Worcester changed my life for the better,” Fingleton said during an interview in 2007.