Roy Horn, one half of the famous Siegfried & Roy magic duo, passed away in Las Vegas on Friday from complications related to COVID-19, his rep confirmed.
He was 75 years old.
"Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement. "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," he continued. "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."
On April 28, Roy's rep announced that the magic icon had tested positive for the coronavirus. At the time he was said to be "responding well to treatment."
For decades, "Siegfried & Roy" had a huge presence on the Las Vegas Strip — the magicians found a permanent home in 1990 when the Mirage opened. The act quickly became one of the hottest tickets in the city, but the show came to a sudden and shocking end in October 2003 when Roy was mauled by the big-cat Mantecore during a live show. Audience members were left stunned when the animal dragged Roy off stage in its mouth.
Roy suffered life-threatening injuries, and his ability to move, walk and speak was severely affected for the rest of his life.
In 2009, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy returned to the stage one last time during a charity event for the Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
In early April, before a retiring of a 20/20 special about duo, Siegfried & Roy released a hopeful message about the coronavirus pandemic.
"Everyone in the United States and around the World impacted by this health crisis remain in our prayers. We know the real magic in all of us caring, cheering, loving, and thanking one another will return everyone to good health and happiness," they said. "We can't wait until it is possible for all of us to hug each other safely again. Love to all, Siegfried & Roy
