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-Origin Young Sikh Association Students From Singapore To Rebuild School In Punjab

Aged between 18 and 21 years, they hail from different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds and will live with the locals in Ratokke village in Punjab's Sangrur district as they paint and renovate a run-down school from December 9.

Indian-Origin Young Sikh Association Students From Singapore To Rebuild School In Punjab

US Teacher Calls Police After Six-Year-Old Muslim Boy Says 'Allah' In Class

Mohammad Suleiman Was Born With Down Syndrome And He Has Intellectual Difficulties, According To His Father.

US Teacher Calls Police After Six-Year-Old Muslim Boy Says 'Allah' In Class

Five Homes Evacuated As Massive Boulder Rolls Into Fraser Valley Community

AGASSIZ, B.C. — Five homes have been evacuated in British Columbia's Fraser Valley over concerns about the stability of a giant boulder that slid down into a residential community last month.

Five Homes Evacuated As Massive Boulder Rolls Into Fraser Valley Community

Indian Techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla Murder: Ex-US Navy Veteran Adam Purinton Pleads Not Guilty

A former US Navy veteran charged with killing an Indian engineer and injuring two others in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas city earlier this year has pleaded not guilty.

Indian Techie Srinivas Kuchibhotla Murder: Ex-US Navy Veteran Adam Purinton Pleads Not Guilty

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill On Death For Rapists Of Girls 12 And Below

With the passage of the bill, Madhya Pradesh becomes the first state in the country where those convicted of such rapes will face the gallows.

Madhya Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill On Death For Rapists Of Girls 12 And Below

Kamala Harris, Indian-American Senator From California Tops Global Thinkers' List

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley and stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj have also made it to the list which recognises a remarkable range of individuals who have found ways to exert enormous influence, often in unexpected ways, on a wide range of issues.