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 IT Industry Lauds No Change In H-1B Visa Policy

The Indian IT industry on Tuesday lauded the US administration for not considering any regulatory change in the H-1B visa extension policy.

Indian IT Industry Lauds No Change In H-1B Visa Policy

Indian Diplomats In UK Defy Gurdwara Visit Ban By Radicals

Indian diplomats in defy gurdwara visit ban by radicals After Southall, set to visit another Sikh shrine in Midlands

Indian Diplomats In UK Defy Gurdwara Visit Ban By Radicals

Indian-American Woman Aruna Miller, Endorsed By Abortion Rights Group, To Run For US Congress

Ms Miller, a civil engineer, is endorsed by EMILY'S List and 314 Action, a political action committee dedicated to electing more STEM candidates.

Indian-American Woman Aruna Miller, Endorsed By Abortion Rights Group, To Run For US Congress

Shouldn't Give A Penny To Countries That Burn Our Flag: US Senator On Pak

Rand Paul said he has been fighting to Pakistani aid for years but now there has been a breakthrough.

Shouldn't Give A Penny To Countries That Burn Our Flag: US Senator On Pak

Delhi Man Who Allegedly Eloped With 23-Year-Old Cousin Stabbed To Death

Dinesh, a father of three, was allegedly having an affair with the 23-year-old woman, who was his distant relative. They had eloped from their homes four days ago, the police said.

Delhi Man Who Allegedly Eloped With 23-Year-Old Cousin Stabbed To Death

Girl, Fiance Gunned Down For Speaking Before Marriage In Pakistan

The girl, identified as Nazeeran, was speaking with her husband-to-be Shahid in Nayi Wahi village in the suburbs of Ghotki town when her uncle spotted them.The uncle opened fire on them out of anger.