MagicGizmo

A Copperfield assistant, known only so far as Brandon, was accidentally pulled into the vortex of the 12-foot industrial fan just prior to Copperfield attempting to walk through it.  There were severe injuries to his arm and face which required extensive surgery.

Video of David Copperfield Performing "The Fan" on Oprah

This occurred during a performance of his MGM Grand show in Las Vegas. A spectator at the show said he had heard a thump and "one of the assistants dropped to the floor" and there was "blood everywhere."

Some of the spectators apparently thought it was some sort of joke or part of the act. However, shortly after the incident, Copperfield came out and announced that there was an emergency and confirmed a minute later that the show was indeed over and refunds would be issued to anyone who wanted one.

After the show, Copperfield said, "Many people assume that the death-defying illusions I do on stage are not dangerous." He went on to explain that he was thankful that his assistant's injuries weren't worse than they were.