Culture

Roy Horn, one half of Siegfried and Roy, dies aged 75

The magician has died after contracting coronavirus, representative says

File image of Roy Horn (R) and Siegfried Fischbacher of Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, in 2008. File photograph: Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Sat May 9 2020 - 15:35

Magician Roy Horn, best known as part of the Las Vegas performing duo of Siegfried and Roy, has died at the age of 75 after contracting coronavirus, a representative has said.

The entertainer tested positive for the virus last month and was said to have been “responding well to treatment”.

However, his death was confirmed on Friday, with his representative saying he died from “complications of Covid-19” .

Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher were world renowned for their Las Vegas shows involving white lions and tigers.

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In a statement, Fischbacher said: “Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend.

“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.

“Roy was a fighter his whole life, including during these final days. 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.”

It was announced on April 28th that Horn had tested positive for coronavirus.

Horn and Fischbacher, both Germans, launched their popular Las Vegas show at the Mirage in 1990, performing elaborate tricks alongside animals.

However, the act unravelled in October 2003 when a tiger named Mantecore mauled Roy during a live performance.

The attack severed his spine, caused severe blood loss and inflicted several critical injuries, permanently affecting his ability to move, walk and speak.

Mantecore died in 2014. – PA

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