Tragedy struck the Las Vegas stage Saturday night when a Cirque Du Solei performer died after falling from her safety harness during the evening’s performance of KA.
The Wrap reports that 31-year-old Sarah Guillot-Guyard died after falling from her harness which was hoisted above the stage into the unseen pit below the stage. Paris born Guillot-Guyard, a mother of two, did not survive the fall and was confirmed dead by the city coroner Saturday evening.
The incident occurred towards the end of the performance, The Las Vegas Sun reports.
Reports from audience members described the tragic event explaining that the 31-year-old acrobat fell from roughly 50 feet above the stage during the final battle scene. Audience members assumed her fall to be a part of the show before the lights switched on and the audience was excused with promises of refunds. Groans and screams were heard from backstage.
Cirque Du Solei has since released a statement saying, “The entire Cirque du Soleil family is deeply saddened by the accidental death of Sarah (Sassoon) Guyard, artist on the production 'Ka,' that happened on Saturday, June 29, in Las Vegas. The artist's immediate family has been informed of the accident. Our thoughts are with her family and the entire Cirque du Soleil family.”
“I am heartbroken,” the statement continues. “I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. We are all completely devastated with this news. Sassoon was an artist with the original cast of 'Ka' since 2006 and has been an integral part of our Cirque du Soleil tight family. We are reminded, with great humility and respect, how extraordinary our artists are each and every night. Our focus now is to support each other as a family.”
“We have been working with the appropriate authorities and have offered our full cooperation. Performances of 'Ka' will be canceled until further notice.”
According to the Las Vegas Sun this is the second time production has been halted due to an accident involving an artist. This is, however, the first death for Cirque Du Solei.