A French aerialist plunged to his death Saturday night in Tampa, Florida, while performing an aerial straps routine in the famed Cirque du Soleil theatrical company’s “Volta” show.
News reports say Yann Arnaud was performing on the double rings when one of his hands slipped and he fell about 20 feet to the stage in front of horrified spectators. Arnaud died of his injuries early Sunday at Tampa General Hospital.
The 38-year-old Arnaud, who was married and had two young children, had been with the Cirque for 15 years.
Cirque du Soleil canceled the remaining two shows in Tampa.
OSHA is investigating the incident. Arnaud’s employer said the company was cooperating fully in the investigation.
The death is the third fatality for a Cirque performer in the company's 34 years. A dancer died during a performance in Las Vegas in 2013 after a mishap with her safety harness.
