Criss Angel Steps Up As A Hero, As Illusion Goes Wrong [Video]


Creating illusions is a perilous task for many involved in the process. Just ask Criss Angel. The famed illusionist was rehearsing with his crew on Wednesday for the new Criss Angel show, “The Supernaturalists” at Foxwoods Casino, when one of the performances failed to pan out as predicted.

Angel led his crew, as they rushed to rescue escape artist Spencer Horsman from a water tank, which was held thirty feet in the air by chains. Shackled and unconscious, Horsman was held in the tank while the crew struggled to get to him and free him from the tank.

It was Criss himself who eventually managed to free the chains holding the lid of the tank secured and ultimately freed Horsman. New York Daily News reports that Spencer is alive and recovering from the accident that nearly cost him his life, though he has not publicly commented on the incident.

Horsman joined Criss Angel, after he competed on America’s Got Talent as an escapologist.

“Criss was terrified,” an eyewitness said. “He ran onto the stage mid-performance screaming to the crew to ‘get him down’… They were all screaming. This was no illusion. This was high-stakes drama.”

Following the near-tragic accident, Angel has moved his show back two nights, scheduling a Friday premiere at Foxwoods.

“In an effort to ensure the safety of the cast and crew, we will be moving the opening night of ‘Supernaturalists’ to June 26th,” Criss Angel said in a public statement. “This was a close call with near-disaster, but it assures that the audience will experience a revolutionary, mind-blowing show proving just how real magic can be.”

“The Supernaturalists” is a stage show that unites nine magicians and illusionists from around the world via video feed, each with a unique talent. Criss Angel’s crew will perform from Las Vegas.

Criss Angel, born Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos on December 19, 1967, rose to fame as an illusionist with his televised stage show Criss Angel: Mindfreak, which Angel has more recently followed up with the stage performance Criss Angel: Believe. Criss has also starred in a number of televised specials, including Phenomenon.

Angel has received a number of awards for his performances and, among those honors, Criss has received the International Magician Society’s Magician of the Year award five times.

While Spencer Horsman is an accomplished escape artist, Criss Angel still holds the world record for being submerged under water for the longest period of time.

[Featured image: Criss Angel courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]

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