Cirque Du Soleil Accident: 'Ka' Performer Sarah Guyard-Guillot Falls To Her Death, First Death In Show's 30-Year History
A Cirque du Soleil artist plummeted 50 feet to her death during a performance of "Ka" last Saturday night in Las Vegas' MGM Grand. The 31-year-old Sarah Guyard-Guillot was pronounced dead at University Medical Center at 11:43 p.m. Saturday night, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
"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," said Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte.
The tragic scene unfolded during the show's final act when Guyard-Guillot slipped free of her safety wire while rising to the top of the stage. Eyewitness reports say she was still wearing her safety harness designed to keep the performer in position with the wire.
"We have been working with the appropriate authorities and have offered our full cooperation. Performances of 'Ka' will be canceled until further notice," Laliberte added.
Born in Paris, Guyard-Guillot graduated from the Annie Fratellini Art & Circus Academy before being hired by "Ka" in its first year at the MGM Grand in 2004. The mother of two had been performing acrobatics for 22 years.
"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," read a statement released by Cirque.
This apparent accident is the first reported death in the 30 years Cirque has been operating. An investigation has been launched before the Clark County Coroner's Office marks the official cause of death.
"Our company is deeply saddened by the loss of one of the talented 'Ka' artists Saturday night. The thoughts and prayers of our employees are with the performer's family, the cast of 'Ka' and the entire Cirque family during this difficult time," said a statement released by the MGM Grand.