International

French Cirque Du Soleil Performer Dies After Falling At Florida Show

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 19 Mar, 2018 10:28 AM

A 38-year-old Cirque du Soleil performer died after falling during a Saturday evening performance in Tampa, Fla., the Canadian entertainment company announced Sunday.

The Montreal-based entertainment group said that French aerialist Yann Arnaud fell to the stage while performing an aerial straps number during a performance of the company's VOLTA show.

He was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

The company's president described Arnaud as an experienced aerialist who was well-loved by his peers.

Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Yann last night. My heart goes out to the performers of @cirquedusoleil #Volta during this tough time!! Glad I got to see you perform one last time my friend!!! #offonthego #cirquedusoleil https://t.co/zCApDKHtIJ pic.twitter.com/C6XCPrF8u9
— OFF On The Go (@offonthego) March 18, 2018

pic.twitter.com/KaeNBlDlPI
— Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) March 18, 2018

Condolences to friends and family of former Le Reve performer @yann_arnaud who experienced a fatal fall during a performance of Cirque du Soliel VOLTA in Tampa last evening. pic.twitter.com/O4ZMCvAUb0
— Sam Novak (@sammasseur) March 18, 2018

Guests being handed this as they show up for today's @Cirque #VOLTA show in Tampa. All shows cancelled. pic.twitter.com/WZOGhOwpqP
— Liz Crawford (@LizCrawfordWTSP) March 18, 2018

Flag at half staff at @Cirque honoring a longtime aerialist who died after falling onto the stage during last night's #VOLTA show in Tampa. Today's shows are cancelled. pic.twitter.com/uUUfDOj4Md
— Liz Crawford (@LizCrawfordWTSP) March 18, 2018

"The entire Cirque du Soleil family is in shock and devastated by this tragedy," Daniel Lamarre said in a statement.

"Yann had been with us for over 15 years and was loved by all who had the chance to know him."

Cirque du Soleil cancelled its two Sunday performances and has said it is working with investigators.

Reached by phone, Lamarre said the group was offering support to its employees, many of whom are devastated by Arnaud's death.

"I explained to them that the show wouldn't restart until the whole team feels able to start back," he said, adding that psychologists had been sent to the site.

"In a case like this, the human element trumps the financial aspect. We have to give priority to employees."

While accidents are rare, it's not the first time that a Cirque du Soleil artist has died during a show.

In 2013, acrobat Sarah Guillot-Guyard died after falling more than 30 metres during a show in Las Vegas.

Prev Next

MORE International ARTICLES

Indian-American Raj Shah Makes White House Press Briefing Debut

In his capacity as the White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary, Mr Shah is the highest ranking Indian-American in the White House press shop.

Indian-American Raj Shah Makes White House Press Briefing Debut

Indian-American Killed, Another Injured As Gunman Opens Fire In US Stores

Parmjit Singh, 44, was shot multiple times on Tuesday at his Hi-Tech Quick Stop on Burnett Ferry Road. The father of two high school students was pronounced dead on the scene, the US media reported.

Indian-American Killed, Another Injured As Gunman Opens Fire In US Stores

Oxford Graduate Loses Legal Bid Against His Varsity Over Poor Teaching

A former Oxford University student, believed to be of Indian-origin, has lost his claim of one million pounds in damages from the prestigious institution for its alleged poor teaching in his specialist Indian subject.

Oxford Graduate Loses Legal Bid Against His Varsity Over Poor Teaching

StatCan Survey Reveals Canadians Pay Less Than $7 A Gram For Marijuana

A Statistics Canada study suggests that Canadians on average pay less than $7 a gram for marijuana.

StatCan Survey Reveals Canadians Pay Less Than $7 A Gram For Marijuana

India Could Be Behind Killing Of Chinese National In Pakistan: Minister

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday alleged that India could be involved in the targeted killing of a Chinese national in Karachi, media reports said.

India Could Be Behind Killing Of Chinese National In Pakistan: Minister

Gas Station Owned By Sikh Vandalised With Racial Slur

A gas station owned by a Sikh in the US state of Kentucky has been vandalised by a masked man with racist slurs and vulgar phrases, according to media reports.