Harry Houdini's death 100 years on still subject to debate

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 11:30 · Archive

Harry Houdini died on 31 October 1926, officially from peritonitis, but alternative theories persist a century later.

Harry Houdini died 100 years ago on 31 October 1926, at 52 years old. The Hungarian-born escape artist and magician had become one of the most famous performers in history after immigrating to the United States as a child. His official cause of death was listed as peritonitis, an infection caused by a ruptured appendix.

However, alternative theories about his death have persisted for a century. Some claim a punch to his stomach, delivered shortly before he died, caused deadly appendicitis in a man known for peak physical condition. Others suggest he suffered from an intestinal blockage. A further theory is that he was killed by people working as spirit mediums, whom Houdini had been publicly exposing as frauds immediately before his death.

Houdini historian and biographer John Cox noted that the mystery continues to fuel speculation. One widespread myth was caused by a 1953 film depicting Houdini as unable to escape the Water Torture Cell in time to save his own life. His legacy remains strong in Detroit, where he died, with some people marking the anniversary by attempting to contact his spirit.

How it is being reported

• Questions still haunt Houdini’s Halloween death 100 years laterHarry Houdini's death 100 years ago was officially blamed on peritonitis, but theories about punches, mediums and murder still fuel debate today.Fox News · 31 Oct, 11:00
• 100 years later, Harry Houdini's death still haunts DetroitThe legacy of magician Harry Houdini still looms large in Detroit 100 years after his death there. Some mark the anniversary of Houdini's death by trying to make contact with his spirit.NPR · 31 Oct, 09:00

In this story: Harry Houdini · Detroit · United States · John Cox · Fox Nation

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log