A Cirque du Soleil aerialist has died after falling onto the stage during a performance at the show VOLTA in Tampa Saturday night. 

  • Cirque du Soleil aerialist dies from injuries after falling to stage 
  • Yann Arnaud fell while performing on the double rings
  • Performance was at the VOLTA show in Tampa 

Officials with Cirque du Soleil said long-time aerialist Yann Arnaud, 38, fell while performing on the double rings. One of his hands slipped and he fell approximately 20 feet to the stage below.

Arnaud was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. 

Julian Martinez was in the audience Saturday and saw it all happen. He says they had just returned to their seats after an intermission. The performers were about five minutes into their routine.

"He (Arnaud) started, he looked like he was struggling or straining maybe as due to fatigue or tiredness," Martinez said. 

Cirque du Soleil released a statement about the incident:

"The entire Cirque du Soleil family is in shock and devastated by this tragedy. Yann had been with us for over 15 years and was loved by all who had the chance to know him. Over the coming days and weeks, our focus will be on supporting Yann’s family and our employees, especially the VOLTA team, as we go through these difficult times together," said Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

The last two shows of VOLTA scheduled to perform in Tampa today have been canceled. Officials say all purchases through the Cirque du Soleil website or call center will be automatically refunded on the card used for the purchase. Customers who bought tickets through a third party can contact the original point of sale for a refund. 

For more information call 1-877-924-7783 or click here

The Tampa Police Department is investigating the circumstances of the accident. 

The Medical Examiner is expected to perform an autopsy Monday.