KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasRoy Horn Is Back in Las Vegas

Roy Horn Is Back in Las Vegas

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(Mar. 2) -- There is some encouraging news about illusionist Roy Horn. Nearly five months after being attacked by a tiger on stage at the Mirage, Eyewitness News has learned Roy Horn is making progress.

His camp, however, is distancing itself from reports out of Germany on Monday. Those reports claim the entertainer is walking with the help of a rolling walker. A spokesman told Eyewitness News that any speculation on Roy's recovery is premature. But he is making great progress and everyone close to him is optimistic about the future.

(Dec. 22) -- Illusionist Roy Horn is back in Las Vegas.  Roy arrived in Las Vegas around 2 p.m. on Monday.  He has been receiving treatment at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

According to statement,  Roy continues to make progress following the Oct.3 near-fatal tiger bite.  He will continue his care under a team of doctors and therapists from Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

(Dec. 10) -- There are more signs that entertainer Roy Horn could soon be back home. According to Siegfried and Roy's good friend and fellow magician, Penn Jillette; Roy could soon be back in Las Vegas. Tuesday night, Jillette told Entertainment Tonight that he has been in contact with Horn's partner, Siegfried Fishbacher. And according to Siegfried, Roy will soon be moved from the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he is currently being treated, back to Las Vegas in time for the holidays.

Roy was of course injured in early October after being bitten by a tiger during his show at The Mirage. He suffered a stroke and severe blood loss and is said to still be in serious condition. Siegfried also told Penn Jillette that a small hospital room is being constructed at the Jungle Palace, which is Roy's Las Vegas home and that the injured entertainer is expected here on Dec. 22.

(Dec. 1) -- New hints were revealed on Monday that illusionist Roy Horn could be spending Christmas at home. Horn's partner Siegfried Fischbacher told the Today Show he expects Roy to spend Christmas here in Las Vegas. Siegfried says Horn's recovery is improving little by little and he is now speaking a few words at a time. He also says Horn has been off the respirator for 2 weeks. Horn is still being treated at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles

(Nov. 20) -- There's a new update on entertainer Roy Horn who was critically injured by a tiger 7 weeks ago. Roy's manager, Bernie Yuman spoke to Eyewitness News during a special event Thursday night at the Siegfried & Roy Theater at The Mirage. Rock for the Cure was a fundraiser for the non-profit Nevada Cancer Institute, featuring the Eagles.

Yuman said that in addition to communicating through writing -- and making steady progress -- Roy is also preparing to return to Las Vegas. "When I left him Wednesday morning at the UCLA Medical Center, he asked that we tell all of the people of Las Vegas that he's looking forward -- God willing -- to come home before Christmas and that's a great thing," Yuman said.

Roy's partner, Siegfried Fishbacher, co-hosted the fundraiser Thursday night at The Mirage. Yuman added that Siegfried would return to UCLA Medical Center to be with Roy as soon as the event was over.

(Nov. 19) -- Illusionist Siegfried Fishbacher talked about how his partner, Roy Horn, is doing in his recovery after a tiger mauling onstage more than a month ago. Eyewitness News caught up with Siegfried at McCarran International Airport where he said Roy's recovery is coming along just fine. "Everything is fine. It's great to be home."

Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill to keep a tighter lid on who can own exotic animals. The bill prohibits the interstate sale and transportation of lions, tigers and other big cats -- except by licensed zoos, sanctuaries, and animal trainers like Siegfried and Roy. The U.S. Senate passed a similar bill last month

(Nov. 14) -- Bernie Yuman, manager and friend of Siegfried and Roy for 28 years, spoke with Larry King on CNN Friday evening. He says that Roy is getting better everyday. And that his improvement is significant.

(Nov. 10) --It seems more and more rumors are circulating about Roy Horn's condition and the severity of his injuries following the tiger bite last month. The headline on the cover of this week's National Enquirer says "Roy is Dying."

The tabloid says Horn, who was moved to UCLA Medical Center recently, is in dire straits. That he is paralyzed, in a coma, and on a ventilator. It also claims Roy has suffered another stroke and that his partner Siegfried is keeping a bedside vigil.

However, Roy's representatives told Eyewitness News Monday that the entertainer's family is not commenting on the care or treatment or specifics of Roy's injuries. Also, they said they would not dignify the Enquirer story, or any other unfounded rumors or speculation, with a response. As for that bedside vigil

Siegfried is allegedly keeping in Los Angeles -- Siegfried has indeed returned to Las Vegas.

(Nov. 5) -- Citing their contributions as world-renowned entertainers, two Nevada lawmakers introduced legislation in honor of Siegfried and Roy.

Representatives Shelly Berkley (D) and Jon Porter (R) stated the importance in recognizing what the duo had accomplished over the years as entertainers. This included their dedication in preserving rare white tigers and lions and even though the two may no longer be performing. The generosity and contributions that Siegfried and Roy made to the city of Las Vegas are ones to be remembered for a lifetime.

Both lawmakers took time out of their speeches to send condolences to the family of Roy Horn, who was critically injured when a tiger attacked him during a performance last month.

(Nov. 3) -- Roy Horn remains at the UCLA medical facility in serious, but stable condition.

(Oct. 30) -- The condition of magician Roy Horn has been upgraded from critical to serious. The announcement comes one day after Horn was transferred from UMC to a UCLA medical facility.

(Oct. 29) --  New information about Roy Horn was released around 6 p.m. Wednesday evening. Eyewitness News now has confirmation that Roy is indeed furthering his treatment in Los Angeles.

He was transferred on Tuesday from UMC Trauma center to UCLA Medical Center where doctors have determined that the entertainer's condition is quoted as "serious...but his vital signs are stable". This new information from UCLA also states Roy was transferred for further evaluation and medical treatment as a result of the Oct. 3 tiger mauling at The Mirage.

In a new statement, Roy's longtime partner Siegfried Fischbacher said, "Roy is now making the transition from survival to recovery. While we are all aware that the road ahead is long, all of us in the Siegfried and Roy family are encouraged by Roy's remarkable demonstration of will, courage and faith." Siegfried is at Roy's side in Los Angeles at UCLA.

Eyewitness News will continue to provide updates on Roy's condition and treatment as more information is revealed.

(Oct. 28) -- Tuesday Evening -- New information arrived Tuesday night about the condition of Roy Horn. Sources close to the entertainer said Tuesday afternoon that as part of this challenging time Roy has been moved from the UMC Trauma Center to another medical facility for further evaluation.

Sources told Eyewitness News Roy Horn has been moved to a medical center in Los Angeles to treat conditions that have happened following Roy's accident. The entertainer was bitten by a tiger during a performance earlier this month.

In a statement released late Tuesday afternoon, Siegfried and Roy's manager Bernie Yuman said, "As Roy's recovery continues, Siegfried and I ask for your continued respect of his family's wishes to maintain his privacy. We understand the great worldwide interest in Roy's recovery, and will continue to provide updates on his condition as is prudent."

(Oct. 28) -- Tuesday Afternoon -- Eyewitness News has learned that Roy Horn has been moved to a California hospital facility for treatment.  He was moved from UMC Tuesday. 

(Oct. 27) -- Seigfried has returned to Las Vegas. Roy remains in critical condition at UMC.

(Oct. 23) -- Seigfried is on his way back to Las Vegas after accepting an award on behalf of himself and his partner, Roy Horn. Siegfried and Roy were chosen to receive the World Entertainment Award at the World Awards Organization gala in Hamburg, Germany. They are among an array of celebrities, world leaders, and journalists being honored for playing a positive role in changing the world.

(Oct. 22) -- Eyewitness News has brand new information surrounding Siegfried and Roy Wednesday afternoon.  Siegfried Fischbacher is in Hamburg, Germany Wednesday night to accept a special award.

Siegfried and Roy have been chosen to receive the World Entertainment Award at the World Awards Organization gala. They are among an array of world leaders, show business celebrities, and journalists being honored for playing a leading and positive role in changing the world.

Roy does remain in critical condition at University Medical Center after being mauled by a white tiger during a show at The Mirage earlier this month, but sources here say that Siegfried felt it was important to accept this award on behalf of his partner, even though it meant traveling to Germany.

Other celebrities being honored tonight at the World Awards Organization gala are actors Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Christopher Reeve. The awards are to be presided over by Mikhail Gorbachev.

Siegfried will reportedly return to Las Vegas and to Roy's hospital bedside on Friday.

(Oct. 22) -- As of Wednesday morning, Roy Horn is still listed in critical condition after being injured by one of his tigers. And now some are saying that the United States Department of Agriculture was unethical in its investigation.

A PETA representative says staff members from the USDA previously accepted free passes to the Siegfried & Roy show. Agricultural department officials acknowledge six employees did take complimentary tickets, but deny that the passes played any role in how the tiger act was regulated.

Mirage executives say they are cooperating with the USDA investigation.

(Oct. 21) -- Roy Horn still remains in critical but stable condition at UMC after being injured by one of his white tigers during an Oct. 3 performance at The Mirage. Mirage spokesperson Alan Feldman told Eyewitness News he again cautions that while Roy continues to recover, he is not out of the woods by any stretch. That every day is still touch and go.

The federal agency charged with investigating the accident is now coming under fire itself. PETA is crying foul about a federal inquiry into the accident that critically injured entertainer Roy Horn. A division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the agency looking into the incident. But in a letter to the USDA, Lisa Wathne with "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" alleges what happened last April was anything but ethical.

"Approximately ten staff members from the USDA, including inspectors, accepted free passes to the Siegfried & Roy show," Wathne said.

Wathne contends the USDA officials in question were attending a symposium in Las Vegas. An Internet search shows the USDA did hold a symposium here on Apr. 30. Wathne says she was tipped off by an anonymous source within the federal government.

Wathne continued, "We're asking the Office of the Inspector General to conduct an investigation."

USDA officials acknowledge six of its employees received complimentary passes, but they deny any conflict of interest. Mirage officials tell us they're cooperating with the investigation as they ponder the future.

Jim Murren with The Mirage emphasized, "The showroom is closed right now. We're not using the showroom for anything."

Murren says The Mirage has taken a $4 million hit by suspending Siegfried and Roy's show, and will lose another $10 million over the next year if the show isn't replaced. But Murren says The Mirage is in no hurry to book a new permanent act.

"When Siegfried and Roy would go on vacation or the showroom would be dark, we would bring in acts to utilize the facility. That's certainly possible on a temporary basis," Murren concluded.

MGM Mirage reported their third quarter profits fell 32 percent. They are attributing the drop to how well people did at the tables and closing of the Siegfried & Roy Show. The company said they expect to take a $4 million loss for closing the popular Las Vegas show. The loss is expected because of severance pay and equipment write-offs for the show.

(Oct. 20) -- Two and a half weeks after a tiger bit him during a performance, Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy remains in critical but stable condition.

Well-wishers, supporters, and friends of Roy held a third Sunday night candlelight vigil at University Medical Center. Another vigil is planned for next Sunday, Oct. 26. 

Roy was on the minds of many other locals who said he helped make Las Vegas the entertainment capitol at the Old Time Reunion at the Stardust Sunday night. The event was dedicated to entertainers who pioneered magic in Las Vegas.

(Oct. 17) -- Roy Horn is recovering at Univeristy Medical Center. It's been 2 weeks since he was bitten and dragged across the stage by one of his tigers. Friday night, he remains in critical but stable condition. Earlier this week, Eyewitness News learned Roy underwent a surgery where doctors removed about one-fourth of his skull to let his injured brain swell without further damage. The piece of his skull is being stored in his abdomen. The procedure is called decompressive craniectomy.

(Oct. 16) --  Illusionist Roy Horn remains in critical condition at University Medical Center. Meanwhile, a controversy is raging outside the hospital about his treatment and the information given out about that treatment.

Dr. Lonnie Hammargren is in the hot seat, accused by some of violating federal law. All because he tried to set the record straight. Dr. Hammargren is not Roy Horn's doctor, but he could still be in trouble for violating federal patient privacy laws.

It all started after an unnamed source told the New York Daily News that part of Roy's skull was removed by doctors to relieve cranial pressure. The removed part of his skull was placed in Horn's abdomen and will be returned later. But Dr. Hammargren who says he spoke to Roy's surgeon says some of the information was incorrect and he went public with what he claims is the truth.

Attorney Bob Massi says while Hammergren's intentions were good, he should've kept quiet. "If he has information that is priviledged, that he knows is priviledged between a doctor and a treating physician, he has no authority to disclose that information, even if he wasn't called in to the case," Massi stated.

Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman agrees and issued this statement, "All of us at The Mirage are deeply saddened that Dr. Hammargren chose to violate Roy's privacy and to discuss what may or may not have happened during Roy's medical care. It was not his place and it is clearly in violation of federal laws."

UMC confirms an investigation is underway. Administrators want to determine if Hammergren crossed the line by sharing information given to him by Roy's surgeon, Dr. Derek Duke. They want to know if Duke committed a violation by talking with Hammargren and they want to find out who was the leak to the New York paper.

(Oct. 16) -- As reported Thursday morning:  Roy has been in critical condition for two weeks now, ever since he was bitten by one of his white tigers during a live Siegfried & Roy performance. There are reports now that some tabloid publications are offering big money for photos of the injured star backstage or in the hospital. And there are conflicting reports about how extensive Roy's surgery was following that incident.

According to a New York newspaper, Horn underwent a radical procedure to remove half of his skull in order to alleviate swelling of the brain. But in an interview with the Review Journal newspaper, long-time neurosurgeon Doctor Lonnie Hammergren says it was a quarter of Roy's skull --- not half -- that was removed -- and that the life-saving procedure is not uncommon in cases of brain trauma and stroke.

Hammergren says in Roy's case, that section of the skull is stored in a pouch created in his abdomen until it can be reattached later. Doctor Hammergren is not directly involved with Roy's medical care but claims he has spoken at length with Roy's neurosurgeon Doctor Derek Duke.

Both Dr. Duke and Dr. Hammergren are currently in surgery. Dr. Hammergren is expected to speak with Eyewitness News Thursday afternoon. Meanwhile, Mirage officials, who have been tight-lipped about the perfomer's medical care at UMC, tell us they are considering whether to update the media regarding Roy's treatment and condition later Thursday.

As well, additional security was hired to protect the privacy of Roy Horn after a freelance photographer managed to get a video of the performer in the hospital.

Roy remains in critical but stable condition at UMC -- where plain-clothes security guards can now be seen outside the hospital. According to one of the guards out here this morning, additional security is needed to make sure unwanted visitors -- particularly the paparrazi -- don't snap any pictures of the critically injured entertainer in his hospital bed.

After a freelance photographer videotaped Roy through a ground floor window at UMC, it is understood The Mirage hired a private security company sometime after the video was obtained. 

(Oct. 15) -- Roy Horn continues to remain in critical yet stable condition at UMC.

(Oct. 14) -- There will be a another blood drive in honor of Roy Horn on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at the Four Queens Casino, downtown Las Vegas, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Oct. 13) -- Roy Horn remains in critical yet stable condition at UMC, just as he has been for the past week and a half. But doctors say he is showing small signs of recovery.

As Roy concentrates on getting better, the very animal that caused his injuries will be released from a mandatory quarantine Monday night. For the past 10 days the 6-year-old white tiger named Montecore has been kept in seclusion at The Mirage. Anytime an animal bites a person, the law requires Animal Control officers to monitor the animal for signs of rabies.

Dr. Pat Hauk with the Flamingo Pet Care Clinic explained, "It's quarantined for 10 days because within that time if the animal has rabies it will get dramatically worse. And it will be obvious to everybody that it has rabies and there is a concern. If animal is perfectly healthy at the end of 10 days everybody should be safe."

Around eight o'clock Monday night, the tiger will be reunited with several of the other big cats that are being kept inside the inner sanctum at the Secret Garden. As Montecore's life begins to return to normal, investigators from the federal agriculture department are still looking into what caused his actions.

At the heart of that investigation is a videotape from the performance on Friday, Oct. 3. Steve Wynn is a close personal friend of Siegfried and Roy and has seen the video himself. "Montecore was sidetracked and looked to the right," said Wynn. MGM Mirage says it's willing to show the tape to FDA investigators.

Spokesperson for the MGM Mirage, Alan Feldman stated," The video is secure in our possession. If any state and federal group wants to take a look at it, so long as they have jurisdiction, we will show that to them." But there's still no word as to when investigators will view the tape, or if they already have it.

Siegfried and Roy's manager has said publicly that Roy does not want Montecore punished in any way for this incident. And it looks as though that is what is going to happen. Montecore will eventually be returned to the public viewing area of the Secret Garden. But it's too soon to say when that will happen.

(Oct. 10) -- Roy Horn has spent the last week in the intensive care unit at University Medical Center, with doctors providing periodic updates on the entertainer's condition.

The extent of those updates has been positive for the most part, with doctors calling Horn's recovery miraculous. But they also temper their outlook by saying his progress is coming at a slow and steady pace.

Roy's recovery continues, as does a federal inquiry into the incident.

(Oct. 9) -- Doctors at UMC say Roy remains in critical, but stable condition. They also said he is making slow, but steady progress.

A close of friend of Roy Horn's told Eyewitness News reporter, Brian Allen that Thursday was a very important day and that Roy's recovery is nothing short of miraculous.

Magician Lance Burton was also visiting Roy and had this to say, "Siegfried and Roy, Masters of the Impossible --- he's doing the impossible and no one should be surprised."

Burton is in daily contact with members of Roy's family. And they've told him that Roy reached an important milestone Thursday -- "Great news! Roy was sitting up in a chair. Yes! So, we are all thrilled, we are overjoyed."

Phone calls continue pouring in to the University Medical Center with people asking about Roy Horn's condition

(Oct. 8) --  Minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour, that's how doctors and nurses are measuring Roy's recovery. Meantime, Siegfried says the popular show hasn't seen its final days.

Siegfried is quoted in a German newspaper as saying their show "... will go on. Eventually." But for now, all attention is focused on Roy's recovery.

And while media from around the world await word of Roy's recovery, family members and well wishers are still gathering at University Medical Center to show their support.

Click here to send Roy a personalized email. Eyewitness News may read portions of these emails on the air and will publish them on the website. The emails will be forwarded to the Mirage and sent to Roy. You can read some of the emails below.

(Oct. 7) -- Doctors say it is a strong will and physical strength that has kept Roy Horn of "Siegfried & Roy" alive following a tiger attack.  Horn is still listed in critical condition after suffering massive blood loss and a stroke following the tiger invident.

During a Tuesday morning news conference in front of Unversity Medical Center, Dr. Derek Duke, Horn's neurosurgeon said Horn's injuries were severe and it is still too early to predict the state of his recovery.  Doctors say he can move one side of his body. 

In recent days, hundreds of people have gathered outside UMC. They have come to show their support and unite in prayer for Horn's recovery.  Many of the more than 200 people who came to the Sunday night vigil were show employees who wanted to show their support for Las Vegas illusionist. 

Horn was critically injured when a tiger grabbed him during a live performance of the "Siegfried & Roy" show at the Mirage Friday night.  The attack happened about 45 minutes into the show.  Horn had walked the 7-year-old tiger named Montecore onto the stage.  According to witnesses, the tiger refused Horn's command and then put his mouth around Roy's arm. After Roy attempted to get the tiger to release its grip, by hitting him on the nose with the microphone, the tiger then got Roy by the neck and dragged him offstage. 

The entertainer suffered severe blood loss and a stroke later that evening when he was in surgery. He had surgery again on Saturday morning to relieve pressure on his brain.

MGM Mirage Resort's representatives have said it may require a few more days to ascertain the extent of his injuries and the length and degree of his recovery.

As for the show, MGM Mirage official say at this time, the Siegfried & Roy show is cancelled indefinitely. 

The more than 200 castmembers who make a living on the show also face the tough decision of whether to wait and hope for the best or look for work elsewhere as they will not be paid while the show is dark. But right now, their thoughts and prayers are with Horn and his recovery.

Click here to read a message from Siegfried. (Please be patient.  The website loads slowly due to the high volume of traffic)