'The world has lost one of the greats of magic': Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy dies from coronavirus aged 75

The illusionist passed away in a Las Vegas hospital on Friday

Magician Roy Horn of the famed Las Vegas act Siegfried & Roy has died of complications from the coronavirus. He was 75.

Publicist Tawny Strelic said Horn died on Friday in a Las Vegas hospital.

Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher began performing in Europe, before they became regulars on the Las Vegas circuit.

Siegfried & Roy were an institution in Nevada, where their magic and artistry consistently attracted sell-out crowds. The pair performed six shows a week, 44 weeks per year.

In 2003, Horn was critically injured by a tiger during the duo’s act at the Mirage hotel-casino on the magician's 59th birthday. He had severe neck injuries and later had a stroke. The attack ended the long-running production.

They returned to the stage in February 2009 for what was billed as their one and only comeback performance, to raise funds for a new rehabilitation centre. Horn retired in 2010.

'You will forever be etched in history'

"The world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Fischbacher said.

In this June 4, 1987, photo, Las Vegas magicians Roy Horn, left, and Siegfried Fischbacher pose in New York with their rare white tigers. AP Photo

“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.”

MGM Resorts posted a tribute to Horn on Twitter. "The world lost a legendary figure with the passing of Roy Horn," the hotel chain wrote. "His story, and the story of Siegfried & Roy, are larger than life.

"Our hearts go out to Roy’s family and friends, and most notably to Siegfried who shared a lifetime of magic and friendship with this special man."

Fellow illusionist Criss Angel also posted a heartfelt note. "Thank you for your kindness, inspiration and friendship," he wrote. "You will forever be etched in history," he added in a video message.

A public memorial will be planned for Horn, according to the press statement. Siegfried has also asked for donations in his friend's name be made to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health or the Nevada Covid-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force.

Additional reporting by Katy Gillett