5 Circus Sarasota Performers Injured In High Wire Fall: Reports

SARASOTA, FL — A Wednesday afternoon fall from a hire wire during a Circus Sarasota practice has sent five people to local hospitals, including several as trauma alerts.

The accident occurred at 140 University Town Center just before 1 p.m. as members of the circus were practicing for Friday’s opening of “Synergy” at Nathan Benderson Park. The show features world-renowned hire wire walker Nik Wallenda.

Wallenda was reportedly one of the members of the team practicing when the fall occurred. The troupe was working on an eight-person pyramid, ABC News reported. Wallenda, however, was not one of the performers to fall, the station reported.

The circus is still scheduled to open, the Bradenton Herald reported. Circus officials told the paper they hope the performers will be recovered within a few months.

“Accidents do happen, as we know,” Pedro Reis, co-founder of The Circus Arts Conservatory, was quoted by the Herald as saying.

News of the accident quickly spread Wednesday afternoon.

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan responded by making the following statement:

“My thoughts and prayers are with those injured in today’s tragic accident. I wish them a full and speedy recovery. I would also like to thank the first responders who arrived quickly at the scene and the excellent staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.”

Three of the injured were taken to Sarasota Memorial, the Herald reported. Doctors there said most injuries were orthopedic, but a traumatic brain injury was also reported. Dr. Alan Brockhurst told the paper the performers were lucky to survive the fall.

To find out more about the accident, visit the Bradenton Herald online.

To learn more about Circus Sarasota, visit its website.

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