Cirque du Soleil aerialist plunges to his death in front of audience

A Cirque du Soleil performer has died after falling onto the stage during an aerial routine in Tampa on Saturday night.

Yann Arnaud died from his injuries at Tampa General Hospital hours after the horrific accident, which occurred during a performance of touring show VOLTA. 

‘While he was performing the aerial straps number, long-time aerialist, Yann Arnaud, fell onto the stage,’ the statement from Cirque du Soleil read.  

Long-term Cirque du Soleil member Yann Arnaud died from his injuries hours after the accident during a performance of its show VOLTA in Tampa on Saturday night 

Arnaud fell on stage (pictured) in front of horrified spectators during an aerial straps duo act 

Arnaud fell on stage (pictured) in front of horrified spectators during an aerial straps duo act 

‘Emergency procedures were immediately activated and Yann was transported to the nearest hospital, where he later passed away from his injuries.

Just hours before his death, Arnaud posted excitedly about getting to debut his ‘straps duo act’ with aerial lamp artist Pawel Walczewski. 

‘After so much work and training and staging, our straps duo act is finally in the show tonight,’ Arnaud wrote in the caption. ‘It’s time to go for it.’

Following a spin with Walczewski, Arnaud appeared to lose the grip on his strap and fell a dozen or so feet. 

Ben Ritter, who was attending the performance, said Arnaud was ‘out cold and not moving’ the minute he hit the stage, according to the Tampa Bay Times.   

Arnaud had been with the company for more than 15 years, and Cirque du Soleil said his death had ‘shocked and devastated’ the entire crew. 

‘Yann…was loved by all who had the chance to know him,’ the statement continued.  

‘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”, said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

Just hours before his death, Arnaud posted excitedly about getting to debut his straps duo act with aerial lamp artist Pawel Walczewski

Just hours before his death, Arnaud posted excitedly about getting to debut his straps duo act with aerial lamp artist Pawel Walczewski

Arnaud is a father to two young daughters, who live in Paris with his wife (pictured together) 

Arnaud is a father to two young daughters, who live in Paris with his wife (pictured together) 

Cirque du Soleli canceled the last two shows of VOLTA that were scheduled to perform in Tampa on Sunday following Arnaud's death

Cirque du Soleli canceled the last two shows of VOLTA that were scheduled to perform in Tampa on Sunday following Arnaud’s death

‘We are currently gathering more information about this tragic event. We are offering our full and transparent collaboration to the authorities as they look into the circumstances of this accident.

Cirque du Soleli canceled the last two shows of VOLTA that were scheduled to perform in Tampa on Sunday following the tragedy.  

Arnaud recently posted a video of his solo for VOLTA on Instagram, saying he was ‘really happy’ it was back in the show.

‘Need minor adjustment but getting better every day,’ he added in the post, dated February 21.   

Arnaud is a father to two young daughters, who live in Paris with his wife, according to his Instagram. 

VOLTA, a touring show, has been in Tampa since mid-February. Its last two performances were supposed to be on Sunday. 

The ‘adventurous’ show has been inspired by ‘action sports’ and features BMX riders, rope skipping, and acrobatic ladders, according to its website. 

VOLTA, a touring show, has been in Tampa since mid-February. Its last two performances were supposed to be on Sunday

The 'adventurous' show has been inspired by 'action sports' and features BMX riders, rope skipping, and acrobatic ladders, according to its website

VOLTA, a touring show, has been in Tampa since mid-February. Its last two performances were supposed to be on Sunday



Read more at DailyMail.co.uk