Roy Horn of ‘Siegfried & Roy’ Dies from complications of COVID-19

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Roy Horn, of the world-renowned duo Siegfried & Roy, died of complications from COVID-19 in Las Vegas Friday. He was 75.

>>Photos: Siegfried & Roy through the years

Just in: Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy has died from complications of COVID-19, his publicist confirms pic.twitter.com/6VmfhelMpb
— Stephanie Fuerte (@StephanieFuerte) May 9, 2020

“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.”
— Siegried Fischbacher

Horn’s publicist confirmed the news Friday evening.

>> Photos: Notable deaths 2020

He had tested positive for the coronavirus last month, his publicist said.

Roy Horn, of Siegfried & Roy fame, passed away this afternoon from #COVID19. He was 75. pic.twitter.com/cRoh0bsD9i
— Alexandra Halaby🌹 (@iskandrah) May 9, 2020

Horn was born in Nordenham, Germany, paired with Siegfried Fischbacher to perform magic tricks and stunts with big cats. The pair performed worldwide and then became a staple in Las Vegas from 1990 to 2003, ABC News reported.

The act’s regular schedule of performances ended at The Mirage in 2003, when Horn was attacked onstage by his white Bengal tiger, Mantecore.

The tiger bit into Horn’s neck and dragged him off stage, KTNV reported. Horn’s spine was severed and caused severe injuries, the television station reported. He was initially unable to move, walk or speak after the attack, KNTV reported.

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Siegfried & Roy through the years CIRCA 1970: Photo of Siegfried & Roy (Michael Ochs Archives)

Siegfried & Roy through the years 1987 - Siegfried, right, and Roy, Las Vegas magicians, pose in New York, June 4, 1987 with their rare white tigers, Neva, left, a female, and Vegas, a male, during a stop at Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry before their departure for Germany. The tigers, who were to be exhibited in Germany disappeared in their rented van Thursday and were recovered hours later in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Scott McKiernan/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Siegfried & Roy through the years 1995 - Illusionists Siegfried and Roy react after receiving the second annual Liberace Legend Award at a gala benefit at the famed Liberace mansion in Las Vegas, May 17, 1995. The two were honored for their tenure in the world of entertainment, their devotion to wildlife conservation and significant contributions to the community. (Lennox McLendon/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Siegfried & Roy through the years 2008 - Siegfried Fischbacher (L) and Roy Horn of the illusionist duo Siegfried & Roy arrive at the after party for the premiere of Bette Midler's new show, "The Showgirl Must Go On" at the Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace February 20, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Midler will perform 100 times a year at The Colosseum at Caesars for at least the next two years. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The pair returned to the Las Vegas stage for a final benefit performance in 2009, ABC News reported. The pair said they raised $14 million for the Cleveland Clinic’s Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

The pair gained international recognition for helping to save rare white tigers and white lions from extinction. Their $10 million compound was home to dozens of rare animals over the years. The white lions and white tigers were the result of a preservation program that began in the 1980s.

“The good news is that the white tigers and white lions are going into the 21st century,” Horn said in a 1999 interview with The Associated Press. “The bad news is that if we don’t do something about the tigers in the wild, they will disappear.”

Siegfried & Roy’s show, incorporating animal antics and magic tricks, included about 20 white tigers and lions, the number varying depending on the night. The show also had other exotic animals, including an elephant.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.