Cirque du Soleil aerial star Yann Arnaud has reportedly passed away after an accident during an aerial routine which caused him to fall to the stage during the VOLTA show, in Tampa Florida. Shocked fans couldn’t believe what was happening initially but when the star hit the ground it was apparent that he was tragically injured. Amidst the screams and shock, the show was stopped and Yann Arnaud was rushed to Tampa’s General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
“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,” Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group said, in a press statement. “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.”
Yann Arnaud leaves behind his two young daughters and his wife Inna Gorelova. Cirque du Soleil has canceled the final two VOLTA shows while the incident is being investigated.
View his final social media post before the accident in which he shares his thoughts about the stunt that ultimately killed him.
After so much work and training and staging, our straps duo act is finally in the show tonight. It’ s time to go for it @pawel_walczewski . #volta #cirquedusoleil #strapsduo #aerial #aerialarts #aerialacrobatics #florida #tampa #acrobatics #gymnastics #duo #hallofequals #cirfit #cirfit_lifestyle #cirfit_usa #cirfitapparel #cirfitworld #teamcirfit Thanks @andregymbrasil for the picture.
