Escape Artist Hospitalized After Nearly Drowning During Stunt

An escape artist friend of magician Criss Angel was taken to the hospital after nearly drowning during a stunt Tuesday in New Jersey Tuesday afternoon, officials say.

Spencer Horsman was unable to escape a water-filled Plexiglas box during a promotional event in New Brunswick for an upcoming stage show with Angel at about noon, officials at the State Theatre say. Horsman was nearly done with the stunt after about two and a half minutes in the box, but couldn't get the last lock.

Rescuers had to lower a crane and pull him out, officials said. He was taken to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.

Horsman was conscious after the scare Tuesday, according to reports, and Angel tweeted a photo of Horsman with the caption "@SpencerHorsman recovering well."

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According to the Asbury Park Press, Horsman had been attempting to replicate a trick based on Harry Houdini's "Water Torture Cell" ahead of the stage shows at the State Theatre this weekend.

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He was suspended over Livingston Avenue in the 30-inch box and covered in locks. Once he escaped the locks, he was supposed to unlock the top of the box and free himself. 

It wasn't the first time Horsman had to be rescued while attempting the stunt. In June, he similarly was unable to free himself during a performance at the Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. He lost consciousness and had to be freed by Angel and several stagehands. 

Horsman is a former contestant on NBC's "America's Got Talent."

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