Today's incident in New Brunswick wasn't the first time one of Criss Angel and Spencer Horsman's tricks supposedly went awry. Watch video
They call them illusionists for a reason, don't they?
Earlier today, "Mindfreak" star Criss Angel joined with Las Vegas escape artist Spencer Horsman in New Brunswick for what was billed as a "death-defying" magic trick: Horsman would have his hands and feet shackled and locked; be submerged into a locked, glass cube filled with water; and then the tank would be suspended 30 feet above the ground.
All of this to promote "The Supernaturalists," an upcoming show at the State Theatre, featuring nine magicians and illusionists hand-picked by Angel.
According to the promotional materials, there would be "no way out other than for Horsman to hold his breath, pick all of the locks to free himself and take a life-saving breath."
RELATED: Escape artist hospitalized after water stunt apparently goes awry at Criss Angel show
Well, Horsman didn't make it out -- and in fact had to be rescued by support staff and fellow illusionists. He was then rushed to a local hospital by ambulance.
Many on the ground reported being scared by the sight of a man gasping for air and near death.
As best we can tell @SpencerHorsman is gonna be ok! Scary to witness! @CrissAngel a few of us are hoping you will come back [?] [?] [?] [?] [?] [?]
-- Anna Epstein (@MetalDiva81) September 15, 2015
But skeptics might point to the fact that it was virtually the exact same thing that happened during a "Supernaturalists" rehearsal in June at Foxwoods Casino. The show's opening had to be postponed for a few days, but Horsman pulled through just fine.
Police have thus far not commented on whether or not the stunt might have been a hoax. NJ Advance Media was on the scene at today's event. Watch the video above and tell us if you think this is a just a potentially deadly stunt that needs to be scratched from the line-up -- or if these near-death incidents are being creatively staged to generate some publicity.
Christopher Kelly may be reached at ckelly@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @chriskelly74. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.
