SEVEN TRAGIC DEATHS IN MAGIC

Writing for the Huffington Post, Joshua jay delivers a very interesting piece on seven tragic deaths from the history of magic.   You should also have a look at Josh's latest Book, DVD & Magic kit combo,  "The Complete Magician," [$39.95, Workman Publishing Company] . It examines the tricks and history of magic & details over 100 magic effects. Not a single magician has died doing any of them.  Among the more obscure tales that he shares is that of Balabrega and his assistant who died while preparing for a performance of "The Moth & Flame":

On June 12, 1900, Balabrega and his assistant, Lew Bartlett were setting up his show at the Theatro Santa Roza in João Pessoa, Brazil. An acetylene gas-bag exploded and blew pieces of Balabrega and his assistant all over the surrounding cast and crew. Balabrega's manager, standing several paces away, was severely injured. Balabrega was forty-two years old.