An audience at the Demidov Circus in Rostov-on-Don, Russia was left horrified after a stuntman fell 23 feet from a high wire, landing headfirst. The incident took place on July 15, 2024, not far from the Ukrainian conflict area.
Sixto Octavio Chavarro, a 44-year-old acrobat from Colombia, was in the middle of a high-wire bicycle act when the accident happened. Chavarro, who had performed in Russia for the past eight years, successfully completed one crossing but lost his balance while trying to ride backward on the wire. Witnesses reported that he fell without a safety net, impacting the circus ring with a loud noise.
Video footage of the incident reveals Chavarro lying still, surrounded by a pool of blood, as circus personnel, including his fellow performers, rushed to help. However, despite their efforts, Chavarro succumbed to his injuries after he was taken to a local hospital’s intensive care unit.
The fall was witnessed by hundreds of spectators, a number of them children. A witness described the scene, saying, “There were many children at the performance, and they began to cry from what they saw.” The tragic event triggered a wave of shock and sorrow among those present at the performance.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation into Chavarro’s death, aiming to ascertain the exact circumstances and whether any safety procedures were breached.
The safety measures at the Demidov Circus, known for its daring performances, have come under scrutiny following the incident. The event has reignited discussions about the safety of circus performers and the ethical implications of such high-risk acts. Opposition to circuses in Russia, especially those involving animals, has been on the rise due to recent accidents and animal cruelty concerns.
In April, activists demanded a ban on animal acts in Russian circuses following the release of disturbing video footage showing black bears being made to fight each other while dressed in costumes. These shows, still popular in some areas, particularly resort locations like Sochi on the Black Sea, have been met with growing criticism. Yuri Koretskikh, a leading animal rights activist, spearheaded this movement, launching a petition that has collected over 116,000 signatures.
Chavarro’s death has brought the broader issue of circus safety into sharp focus. Critics argue for tighter safety measures and regulations to protect performers and animals. The Demidov Circus, like many others in Russia, features a variety of high-risk acts.
Circus performances have a long history in Russia, tracing their roots back to the 11th century. However, modern perspectives are increasingly at odds with these traditional forms of entertainment, particularly when they put performers and animals at risk.
Chavarro’s career in acrobatics started when he was just a teenager. At 16, he left his home in Oporapa, Colombia to focus on acrobatics and extreme sports. He performed with several circuses, including the Mongolian and Monte Carlo Circuses. He last visited his family in Oporapa in March of this year. His family is currently arranging for the repatriation of his body.
The death of Chavarro has cast a somber mood over the Demidov Circus and has led to a reconsideration of the risks involved in such performances.
