World's oldest trapeze artist dies in Denmark

German world's oldest active trapeze artist has died in Denmark at the age of 98.

Photo: World's oldest trapeze artist dies in Denmark

Konrad Thurano was with his family in Denmark, where he has been living, when he died on Tuesday, said Kathrin Rauschning, spokeswoman for Duesseldorf's Roncalli Apollo Variety. She said he died of natural causes, but had no details.

Thurano was born in Duesseldorf in 1909 and began his entertainment career with the variety show in 1924.

"Our history was always absolutely bound to his history," Rauschning said.

In his 83-year-career he performed around the world, rubbing elbows with celebrities including Charlie Chaplin.

Each April for his birthday he would return to Duesseldorf to perform in the Roncalli Apollo Variety, and this year was no exception, Rauschning said.

"He was still really fit, and performed his number just like he always has," she said. "It is a great loss."

Funeral arrangements were not made public.