Cirque du Soleil fined over acrobat death

Health and safety officials in Nevada have fined world famous circus troupe Cirque Du Soleil over the death of an acrobat earlier this year (13). Performer Sarah Guillot-Guyard, 31, died from multiple blunt force trauma after falling 90 feet (27.4 metres) during a Ka performance at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in July (13).
The death was ruled an accident by the coroner’s office, but Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration experts cited Cirque du Soleil on six counts.
They have accused bosses of the company of failing to provide adequate training for the acrobat and of not having a fall protection plan.
Officials have proposed a fine of more than $25,000 (£15,600), while suggesting a $7,000 (£4,666) penalty for the MGM Grand hotel.
Cirque du Soleil bosses have now vowed to fight the fines. Spokesperson Renee-Claude Menard says, “Cirque du Soleil completed an exhaustive review of its safety policies and procedures in the wake of the tragic accident involving Sarah.
“We have redoubled our efforts to ensure the overall diligence and safety of our performers and crew.”