A traveling circus cancelled several shows after a teenage performer plummeted more than 15 feet when his aerial rig failed and tore loose from the ceiling mid-act.
Circus Smirkus, a traveling youth circus, was performing in Massachusetts when 18-year-old Johnathan Richard suddenly plunged nearly 17 feet during a silk act, as reported by The Newport Daily Express.
The silk performance features an aerial artist contorting while suspended from the ceiling on fabric.
The show was immediately halted as Richard was rushed to the hospital with a suspected spinal injury.
Two performers – one identified as Amy Haderer and the other simply as Lyric – claimed the injured teen is ‘lucky to be alive.’
Circus Smirkus released a statement announcing the cancellation of upcoming performances in New Hampshire and Vermont.
‘It is with profound sadness that we share the news of a rigging incident that occurred during a recent Big Top Tour performance,’ the statement read.
‘The trouper involved is a beloved member of the Smirkus family. Their spirit, generosity, and dedication in and out of the ring shines,’ it added.
Circus Smirkus, a traveling youth circus, was performing in Massachusetts on July 22 when an 18-year-old aerialist (pictured after accident) suddenly plunged nearly 17 feet during a silk act
Although Circus Smirkus officials have yet to release detailed information about the cause of the fall or the extent of the performer’s injuries, an internal review is reportedly underway to determine these details (pictured: Johnathan seen performing on right)
Two fellow performers posted images of the 18-year-old artist
Executive and Artistic Director Rachel Schiffer stated that the teen is ‘expected to recover.’
Just before 8pm during Circus Smirkus was performing their second show at the Cracker Barrel Fairgrounds in Wrentham, Massachusetts.
Authorities were called to respond to an aerialist who had fallen during a silk performance, according to the Daily Express.
Before emergency services arrived, authorities said that a nurse attending the show administered immediate aid.
The nurse applied traction to stabilize the performer’s neck and spine.
‘When officers arrived on the scene, the victim was alert, conscious and able to speak,’ Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath told the outlet.
The teen was then rushed to a trauma hospital in Rhode Island for treatment.
Circus Smirkus officials have yet to release detailed information about the cause of the fall or the extent of the performer’s injuries.
An internal review is reportedly underway to determine these details, the Daily Express reported.
The girls claimed that during the July 22 show, a rigger employed by the circus used the wrong equipment
Following the accident, Circus Smirkus (pictured) released a statement on its website announcing the cancellation of upcoming performances in New Hampshire and Vermont
For now, the traveling circus hopes to conclude its 38th summer season at its headquarters in Greensboro, Vermont, on August 17.
‘Thank you for being part of the Smirkus community – we’re grateful for your support, patience, and understanding,’ the circus said on its website.
Circus Smirkus holds a unique place as the only traveling youth circus performing under a Big Top across the United States.
With a troupe of 18 talented young performers aged 10 to 18 – supported by a dedicated team of 30 to 40 adults – the circus embarks on an ambitious journey lasting over seven weeks.
On tour, they traverse New England in a fleet of over 20 buses, captivating audiences with nearly 65 high-energy performances.
