DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – Famed magician Harry Houdini died on Halloween of 1926, though his death and illusions still mystify fans and family. 

Renowned for accomplishing feats of strength, illusion, and tricky escapes, formerly Ehrich Weiss became a national sensation and traveled as far as England and Germany to perform before returning to America. 

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His grandnephew, George Hardeen, discussed how he prepared his body for the physically challenging aspects of his profession such as rolling coins in his fingers and running 10 miles a day. 

“He had to train himself, his body, like a prize fighter because of the stresses he was putting on himself,” Hardeen said. “The metal from the handcuffs eating into his skin. He had to hold his breath for long periods of time. Jumping into cold rivers. He took great care of himself, because he had to.”

While he was buried 96 years ago, he was laid to rest without a formal autopsy, leaving some of his family to wonder if the actor actually died due to a ruptured appendix.    

He performed his final stunt in Detroit, at age 52 at the sold out Garrick Theater.  The packed theater witnessed Houdini’s final act though accounts depict him perhaps not feeling well.  Shortly after the show he was transferred to Grace Hospital before passing at 1:26 p.m. in Room 104.  The theater outlived Houdini by only two years before it was torn down and renovated according to Historic Detroit. 

Some, including his grandnephew, doubt that the performer actually died from the effects of a ruptured appendix as was pronounced the official cause of death.  Instead, George Hardeen called for the exhuming of Houdini’s body to see if he had actually been poisoned by a group known as the “spiritualists” as alleged by Larry Sloman in the book “Secret Life of Houdini.” 

While the exhumation was never carried out, there are still many who question the performer’s death and other personal life details.  

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“Somehow Houdini’s name and the legend have remained alive throughout time,” Hardeen said in a 2019 interview.  For a man who lived only until 52, he has amassed more than 32 documentaries about his life and work, the latest was released in 2021 titled “Houdini’s Lost Diaries” by BBC/History. 

Those hoping to learn more about him may visit a private museum in New York called Houdini Revealed, which holds memorabilia and artifacts from the magician’s life or pay their respect in person may visit his grave at the Machpelah Cemetery also in New York.