The Great Lafayette

Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a man by the name of Sigmund Neuberger stunned the world. He raked in money and fame by the bucketful, and literally went down in history with a very dramatic death.

There are conspiracy theories surrounding his death, and if they are true, it means he pulled off one of the greatest feigns ever.

In 1911, the Empire Palace Theater caught fire with a full house witnessing Neuberger’s tricks. He was in the process of trading places with a real live lion when the fire broke out. There are reports of his candles on stage being knocked over without anyone being near them, which ignited the fire.

He bowed. Like a champion, he bowed, and people thought it was all part of his act. The fire killed over ten people, and the theater burned up. Because of the bodies and the lack of coronary reports and technology during that time, it’s impossible to know if any of those bodies were actually his or not. It’s another great mystery, but he will forever be known as the most dramatic magician ever.

Born: 25 February 1871

Died: 9 May 1911

Nationality: Munich