SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- U.S. illusionist David Avadon, who performed his act at home and abroad, has died at the age of 60, his brother Joe Hutchins says.
The Los Angeles Times reported Friday that Avadon died Aug. 20 after suffering a heart attack at a health club in Santa Monica, Calif., ending a career that included performances in Japan, Britain and Canada.
"David always gave a polished, assured performance, drawing laughter and amazement," Mark Nelson, Academy of Magical Arts chairman of the board, said in a statement.
In addition to illusionist performances, Avadon wrote a 2007 book on pick-pocketing titled "Cutting Up Touches: A Brief History of Pockets and the People Who Pick Them."
"He was honest but very skilled. He could lift wallets from chiefs of police, which he had done in Los Angeles," fellow magician Sid Fleischman said.
The Times said Avadon, who was born David Hutchins, also is survived by his wife Miranda.
