News February 25, 2017
Possible Suicide at Hollywood's Iconic Magic Castle
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TMZ reports the body of a man was discovered at Hollywood's famous Magic Castle, a private restaurant and club favoired by magicians, Friday night.
According to TMZ's sources, paramedics arrived on the scene around 7:30 p.m. after a man — later identified as popular illusionist Daryl Easton — was found hanged in a closet. The underwear-clad man reportedly had a bag over his head. He was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police are said to be treating this as a "possible suicide."
A representative of the club released a statement that read, in part, "The magic community mourns the loss of one of our most beloved and talented performers and the AMA's deepest regrets and heart-felt sympathy go out to Daryl's family." The club insisted Easton had been found fully clothed, but TMZ's sources stuck to the report that he was only in his underwear.
The Magic Castle, at 7001 Franklin Avenue, serves as the official clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts. Built to resemble an actual castle, the building was constructed in 1909 as a residence. Since becoming a club, countless magicians have performed and dined there, as have Hollywood elites with a knack for sleight of hand — including Steve Martin, Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Alexander and icon Cary Grant.
