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New Zealand Magician Dies During Act

Story Filed: Friday, March 17, 2000 11:08 AM EST

HAMILTON, New Zealand (AP) -- An audience of hospital patients applauded when a magician collapsed and died during a show, thinking it was part of his act, his family said Friday.

Ron Watson, known as Uncle Ron the Magician, was trying to cheer up stroke victims in the Tokoroa Hospital, including his wife Sheila, when he fell to the ground minutes into his act.

The audience thought the collapse was part of it -- except his wife, who tried to get up to help him, despite being partly paralyzed.

``Everyone thought it was part of the act, but of course she knew it wasn't,'' said his son, John Watson.

Doctors spent 45 minutes trying to revive Watson, 69, without success.

John Watson said his father died doing what he loved. His magician idols had been escape artist Houdini and Englishman Tommy Cooper, who also died while performing.

Watson was a former member of England's Bognor Regis Magic Circle and gave performances for charity since he retired 15 years ago.

Copyright ) 2000 Associated Press Information Services, all rights reserved.

-- (Dee360Degree@aol.com), March 17, 2000