Two identical bodies found in search for world-famous magician

 One of the most fascinating and tragic stories in the history of magic belongs to The Great Lafayette, a world-famous illusionist whose life ended in a devastating theater fire in Edinburgh on May 9, 1911.

Born Sigmund Neuberger, Lafayette was considered one of the highest-paid entertainers of his era. Known for his extravagant productions and larger-than-life personality, he dazzled audiences around the world with spectacular illusions, lavish costumes, and elaborate stage effects.

On the night of May 9, Lafayette was performing at the Empire Palace Theatre when disaster struck during his signature illusion, The Lion's Bride. A lantern ignited part of the set, but many audience members initially believed the flames were simply part of the performance.

Although the audience was evacuated safely, the situation behind the curtain quickly turned deadly. A fire curtain designed to contain the blaze malfunctioned, allowing air to feed the flames and spread the fire throughout the theater. Some stage doors had reportedly been locked as a precaution to keep Lafayette’s live lion from escaping during the act.

Lafayette initially escaped the burning theater, but according to popular accounts, he heroically returned to rescue his beloved horse and never made it back out.

In a bizarre twist worthy of one of his own illusions, the first body recovered from the ruins was identified as Lafayette and cremated. Two days later, firefighters discovered a second body dressed in exactly the same costume. The first body was later determined to be Lafayette’s body double, while the second was the real magician.

The tragedy claimed the lives of ten people, including a young girl concealed inside a mechanical teddy bear costume used in the show. Audiences had no idea that the remarkable “automaton” was actually operated by a live performer.

The story becomes even more poignant when considering Lafayette’s deep grief over the recent death of his cherished dog, Beauty. Beauty was famous in her own right, reportedly wearing a diamond-studded collar, dining on elaborate meals, and traveling in luxurious accommodations. She died just four days before the fire.

Lafayette arranged for Beauty to be buried at Piershill Cemetery, insisting that he too would be buried there upon his death. That wish was fulfilled.

An estimated 250,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh to witness his funeral procession, a testament to the extraordinary impact he had on audiences around the world.

More than a century later, the story of The Great Lafayette remains one of the most dramatic and unforgettable chapters in magic history—a tale of brilliance, mystery, devotion, and tragedy.