Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874, was a legendary magician and escape artist. He was known for his incredible feats of escape and his ability to perform death-defying stunts. But what many people don't know is that Houdini died as a result of being punched in the stomach.
The Incident
The incident that led to Houdini's death occurred on October 22, 1926, in Montreal, Canada. Houdini was backstage after a performance when a college student named Jocelyn Gordon Whitehead approached him. Whitehead asked Houdini if it was true that he could withstand any blow to the stomach, to which Houdini replied that it was indeed true.
Without warning, Whitehead punched Houdini in the stomach several times. Houdini later reported that he hadn't had time to prepare himself for the blows and that he had been in a great deal of pain.
The Aftermath
Houdini performed a few more shows before he was forced to seek medical attention. He was admitted to Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where he was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Despite surgery to remove his appendix, Houdini's condition continued to deteriorate, and he died on October 31, 1926.
It was later discovered that Houdini had suffered a ruptured appendix, which was likely caused or exacerbated by the blows to his stomach. Many people believe that Whitehead's punches were the direct cause of Houdini's death, but this is not entirely clear.
The Controversy
The controversy surrounding Houdini's death has been the subject of much debate over the years. Some people believe that Whitehead was a member of a group of spiritualists who were angry with Houdini for exposing their fraudulent practices. They argue that Whitehead's punches were a deliberate attempt to harm or kill Houdini.
Others believe that the punches were simply a foolish prank gone wrong. Whitehead himself never spoke publicly about the incident and died in 1993.
The Legacy
Despite the controversy surrounding his death, Harry Houdini remains a legendary figure in the world of magic and entertainment. He is remembered for his incredible feats of escape and his charismatic stage presence.
Houdini's death was a tragic end to a remarkable life, but it has also ensured that his legacy lives on. His name is still synonymous with magic and escape, and his influence can be seen in the work of countless magicians and performers today.
Conclusion
So, who punched Harry Houdini? The answer is Jocelyn Gordon Whitehead, a college student who approached Houdini backstage after a performance. The incident led to Houdini's death and has been the subject of much controversy over the years. However, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his death, Houdini's legacy as one of the greatest magicians and escape artists of all time remains secure.