How did Harry Houdini die?

Harry Houdini died of peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. There is speculation that his death was caused by a McGill University student who punched him in the abdomen to test Houdini's strength. However, this is unproven. Houdini died on Oct. 31, 1926 at age 52 in Detroit, Mich.

Houdini was an illusionist and stunt performer and is one of the most famous magicians in American history. He was best known for his escape acts, which included freeing himself from straitjackets, handcuffs and cages. He was born Eric Weisz in Budapest, Hungary in 1874 and moved to the United States with his family at the age of 4.