Mauled illusionist Roy Horn goes home

Reuters ^ | Tuesday, December 23, 2003

[presidio9]

Animal trainer and illusionist Roy Horn was recovering Tuesday at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada, his manager said.

Part of the famous duo Siegfried & Roy, Horn had been hospitalized for more than two months after he was mauled on stage by a tiger during a show with his partner Siegfried Fischbacher.

Horn, 59, almost died after a male white tiger grabbed him by the neck and dragged him off stage during a performance at the Las Vegas Mirage resort on October 3.

He was moved to the University of California, Los Angeles hospital two months ago, manager Bernie Yuman said in a statement.

Horn is able to communicate by writing notes, a spokesman said, but no other details of the extent of his recovery were available.

Horn, the darker-haired member of Siegfried & Roy, was born in Nordenham, Germany on October 3, 1944. Combining magic with tiger stunts, the team has performed on the Las Vegas strip for nearly 30 years.

[EggsAckley]

I'm so glad to hear this news. Great Christmas present for them.

[presidio9]

Horn is able to communicate by writing notes, a spokesman said, but no other details of the extent of his recovery were available.

One caveat: I think Horn is in much worse shape than the general public is aware of.

[DJtex]

They may have lived a strange life-style. But these two performers have done nothing but try to bring excitement and showmanship to the often-plastic Vegas Strip.

I pray for a full and speedy recovery, although I fear that Roy Horn has lost a huge range of function, and that most of it will never come back.

[EggsAckley]

You could be right; they may have sent him home to die. But I'm hoping you're wrong.

[presidio9]

They may have lived a strange life-style. But these two performers have done nothing but try to bring excitement and showmanship to the often-plastic Vegas Strip.

One thing I always liked about these guys is the fact that they are in all likelyhood a gay couple, but they never made an issue out of it.

[Phantom Lord]

One thing I always liked about these guys is the fact that they are in all likelyhood a gay couple, but they never made an issue out of it.

Most don't. Just the tiny vocal and militant minority who define their being and purpose for existence by their sex life.

[joesnuffy]

there aint no money in it....at this time....

[sofaman]

Well said.

Their lifestyle is a private matter. I object vehemently to anyone trying to foist a lifestyle of any kind onto me.

[gracie1]

The fact that he has to communicate through notes means to me that he has suffered major damage to his throat that has not fully healed or may be permanently damaged, but the stroke has not affected his cognitive or fine motor abilities. It will be a long road to recovery.

[presidio9]

but the stroke has not affected his cognitive or fine motor abilities.

And you know this how?

[Doctor Stochastic]

You mean those with "Clinton Envy" or "Juniper Envy" who allow their sex lives to impinge on others?

[gracie1]

It was reported he suffered a stroke during surgery. Depending on the location and severity of it he would suffer varying degrees of physical impairment, loss of the ability to speak, loss of the ability to comprehend language, etc. The ability to write notes indicates he understands language and still possess, at least in one hand, the fine motor ability to write. If he's not speaking, it may be because he still has a trach, or suffered severe damage to his vocal cords.

[Shermy]

I think Horn is in much worse shape than the general public is aware of

True.

And the Mirage has been part of the...mirage...

I don't know what the Mirage is going to do...make Danny Gans their headliner? Won't bring in the kiddies.

[presidio9]

Right, but all we know is that he is "communicating" with writing. Gorillas can "communicate" with writing.

[gracie1]

Gorillas can "communicate" with writing.

LOL!

[Jim Cane]

He and Rush should have a debate - seeing as he, too, has half his brain tied behind his back.