Cirque du Soleil Makes Shocking Announcement Hours after Performer Falls During High-Flying Act
Cirque du Soleil’s newest show, Volta, promises an “adventurous” and “visually striking” celebration through acrobatics.
But during a Volta performance in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, things took a tragic turn.
15-year Cirque du Soleil aerialist Yann Arnaud was performing an aerial straps number when he fell onto the stage.
The fall left Arnaud in need of immediate medical attention. Emergency protocol was followed and the performer was taken to the hospital shortly after.
But in a shocking statement issued by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, it was revealed that the aerialist passed away while in the hospital as a result of his injuries.
“It is with immense sadness that Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group reports that a tragic accident occurred last night, March 17, during a performance of its show ‘Volta,’ in Tampa, Florida,” the statement read. “While he was performing the aerial straps number, long-time aerialist, Yann Arnaud, fell onto the stage.”
“Emergency procedures were immediately activated and Yann was transported to the nearest hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries.”
The company took a moment to also share how the aerialist had touched so many lives in the Cirque du Soleil family.
“The entire Cirque du Soleil family is in shock and devastated by this tragedy. Yann had been with us for over 15 years and was loved by all who had the chance to know him,” company president and CEO Daniel Lamarre said.
“Over the coming days and weeks, our focus will be on supporting Yann’s family and our employees, especially the ‘Volta’ team, as we go through these difficult times together.”
The statement concluded that they are “gathering more information about this tragic event” and collaborating with investigators as they “look into the circumstances of this accident.”
In light of this tragedy, the company has also cancelled the next two events on Sunday, March 18.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Arnaud’s family, friends, and the entire Cirque du Soleil team during this difficult time.
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