Cirque du Soleil performer dies after falling onstage during show in Florida

Yann Arnaud, 38, was taking part in a performance involving aerial straps when he fell

Cirque Du Soleil performing 'Quidam' in the UK earlier this year (EPA)

A Cirque du Soleil performer has died after falling on to the stage during a show in Florida.

Yann Arnaud, 38, was taking part in a performance involving aerial straps on Saturday when he fell. He died in hospital several hours later.

The aerialist had been performing in the spectacle for 15 years, and was described by the groups President, Daniel Lamarre, as someone who was “loved by all of those who had the fortune to know him.”

Mr Lamarre said the Cirque du Soleil family was “in shock and devastated” by the tragedy.

He added: “In the weeks to come, we will concentrate our energy on supporting Yann’s family and all of our employees, particularly the VOLTA team, while we go through this difficult time together.”

The company said it was working with local authorities to investigate what had gone wrong. It has cancelled two shows scheduled for Tampa on Sunday.