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Sarah Guyard-Guillot, 31, a mother of two who had spent more than 22 years as an acrobatic performer, became the first reported on-stage fatality in the 30-year history of Cirque du Soleil. She fell an estimated 50 feet during the final battle scene in Saturday night's Ka show at the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Sun said the show continued briefly, then the music stopped "and the performer’s screams and groans could be heard from below the stage." Minutes later, an announcement informed the audience that the show was over and that refunds or vouchers to future shows would be offered.
Cirque released a statement Sunday, according to the Sun:
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.
Cirque du Soleil founder, Guy Laliberte, also said in a statement that performances of Ka will be canceled until further notice. Guyard-Guillot was called Sassoon by the other performers.
I am heartbroken. 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.
Guyard-Guillot is from Paris. Her children are 5 and 8. She was the head coach at the Cirquefit acrobatics school and fitness center for children in Las Vegas. The school's website says tonight that "All current sessions, camps, etc are cancelled until further notice."
Cirque du Soleil was founded by street performers in Montreal and took off after a series of very well received downtown Los Angeles performances in 1987. It now employs more than 5,000 people around the world.
