Covid 19 coronavirus: Roy Horn, of 'Siegfried & Roy', dies of complications from virus

Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn. Photo / Getty Images

Roy Horn has died from Covid-19 complications.

The 75-year-old magician - one-half of the popular Las Vegas animal and magic act Siegfried and Roy - passed away on Friday at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas, after contracting coronavirus last month.

His performance partner Siegfried Fischbacher said in a statement: "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.

Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn. Photo / Getty Images

"Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final few 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."

The pair first met while working on a cruise ship and became famous for using white tigers and other animals in their act.

They began performing in Las Vegas in 1967, and their hugely popular shows wowed fans at the city's Mirage Hotel for 14 years.

However, Roy was severely injured when a seven-year-old white tiger named Mantacore attacked him during one of their shows at the Mirage in 2003. The tiger bit him on the neck and carried him offstage and he suffered critical injuries to his spine, severe blood loss and a stroke.

The incident permanently affected his mobility and speech, but Horn was able to take part in some events before he and Fischbacher retired in 2010.

Thank you, Roy, for your years of entertainment to Nevadans and visitors. May you Rest In Peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to Roy’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/PPJXFvviIF

— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) May 9, 2020

Despite the injuries, he always insisted that Mantacore - who lived in the Siegfried & Roy Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel until his death in 2014 - had never meant to hurt him.

Mr. Roy Horn, Thank You for your kindness, inspiration and friendship. You paved the road and will forever be missed. May we meet again one day... Love, Criss pic.twitter.com/lmwB5qSV39

— Criss Angel (@CrissAngel) May 9, 2020

We are all mourning the loss of #RoyHorn of #SiegfriedandRoy. S&R invented, created, pioneered the very idea that a magic show could be a full evening in Vegas. If not for S&R there would be no P&T in Vegas. He was so full of life, wild, and unpredictable. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/sHW5NAyBMu

— Penn Jillette (@pennjillette) May 9, 2020

He said. "I will forever believe it was his concern for my safety and well-being that caused him to act as he did on that night long ago. We spent many hours together and he never failed to bring me great joy and wonderment. It was my great honour to be beside him at the end."