After 30-years of acrobatic dexterity and complex high-flown displays, Cirque Du Soleil has suffered its first tragedy. One of the original members, who has been part of the show from the start, Sarah (Sassoon) Guyard, died after the wire she was suspended upon spontaneously “snapped” causing her to fall “fast and awkwardly at least 50 feet,” before falling to her death, as People reported.
“The entire Cirque du Soleil family is deeply saddened by the accidental death,” said the performing team in a statement. “The artist’s immediate family has been informed of the accident. Our thoughts are with her family and the entire Cirque du Soleil family.”
The founder of the team made his own statement: “I am heartbroken. I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. We are all completely devastated with this news.”
He also said that, “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.”
The show of the tragedy was cancelled, as have all subsequent shows indefinitely as the matter is being investigated, a process the show has been fully cooperative with.