Harry Houdini, the renowned magician and escape artist, died on October 31, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. He died as a result of peritonitis, which is inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
The exact cause of Houdini's peritonitis is a subject of historical debate and speculation. The commonly accepted explanation is that it was due to a ruptured appendix. It's believed that Houdini's appendix ruptured following a blow to the stomach delivered by a student named J. Gordon Whitehead on October 22, 1926. Whitehead reportedly struck Houdini in the abdomen multiple times, unaware that Houdini had not prepared himself for the blow, as he often did as part of his act. Houdini continued to perform for several days despite feeling unwell before seeking medical attention.
However, some historians and medical experts have proposed alternative theories regarding the cause of Houdini's peritonitis, including an undiagnosed infection or injury unrelated to the incident with Whitehead. Nonetheless, the most widely accepted explanation remains the rupture of Houdini's appendix following the blow to his stomach.
Harry Houdini's death at the age of 52 marked the end of an era in the world of magic and entertainment, but his legacy continues to captivate and inspire people around the world.