Each year residents of Western Pennsylvania head to Las Vegas for vacation. While some people like to gamble, others enjoy the city because of the wide variety of shows one can attend. The content of these shows varies and includes: magic, music, comedy and acrobatic spectacle. Sadly, a program showcasing the latter type of entertainment recently ended in tragedy. One of the performers in a Cirque du Soleil program died near the end of the show.

According to a spokesman for Cirque du Soleil, at the time of the fatal accident the woman was in the process of being hoisted 50 feet into the air for the program’s finale. The system used for accomplishing this task consists of lines that are controlled with remote controls that are wireless. For a reason that is currently unknown, as this was being done, the woman dropped to the ground. At this point it is not clear what injuries the woman suffered or whether she died immediately or suffered. The woman had 20 years experience performing in these types of shows.

Safety in any type of occupation is important. This is particularly true when someone’s job necessitates flying through the air. Because somewhere in the process there was clearly a lapse in safety measures, the show has been put on hold. During that time an investigation into what happened will almost certainly be conducted. Cirque du Soleil indicated it is cooperating with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.

In the meantime, the woman’s coworkers and loved ones are likely stunned. As those who knew her grieve, it is possible that someone will decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against her employer.

Source: CNN, “Cirque du Soleil performer killed in Las Vegas show,” Matt Smith, July 1, 2013