Roy Horn of the iconic Siegfried & Roy magic duo has died aged 75 from complications related to the coronavirus.
The legendary magician died at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas on Friday, his publicist Dave Kirvin confirmed. He added that Horn had tested positive for the coronavirus last week, according to the New York Times.
The German-born double act, Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher rose to fame with an incredible magic act that incorporated exotic animals including elephants and white tigers into each performance. The Guardian reports that Horn was also credited with first introducing the live animal concept into their illusions with the addition of his pet cheetah.
"Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," read a statement from Fischbacher.
"From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried."
Advertisement
Siegfried Fischbacher, left, and Roy Horn, right.Getty
Their show at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas ran for almost 14 years until Horn was mauled by a tiger named Montecore on stage in front of a sold-out crowd in October 2003. He suffered severe neck injuries and later had a stroke and underwent a long rehabilitation journey.
Siegfried & Roy made their last appearance as a duo at a benefit for the Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas in 2009, before officially retiring their magic act in 2010.
"Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days," Fischbacher added.
"I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses, and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."
NewsletterSIMPLY PUT - where we join the dots to inform and inspire you. Sign up for a weekly brief collating many news items into one untangled thought delivered straight to your mailbox.
Next Story
I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
10 Best things to do in India for tourists
19,000 school job losers likely to be eligible recruits: Bengal SSC
Groww receives SEBI approval to launch Nifty non-cyclical consumer index fund
Retired director of MNC loses ₹25 crore to cyber fraudsters who posed as cops, CBI officers
Hyundai plans to scale up production capacity, introduce more EVs in India
