A shocking incident at the Demidov circus in Rostov-on-Don, Russia has traumatized an audience after a stuntman plunged 23 feet from a high wire, landing headfirst in front of horrified spectators. The event occurred on July 15, 2024, close to the Ukrainian war zone.

Sixto Octavio Chavarro, a 44-year-old Colombian acrobat, was performing a high-wire bicycle act when the accident occurred. Chavarro, who had been performing in Russia for eight years, completed one crossing successfully but lost his balance while attempting to ride backward on the wire. Eyewitnesses reported that he fell with no safety net to break his fall, hitting the circus ring with a sickening thud.

Footage of the incident shows Chavarro lying motionless in a pool of blood as circus staff, including other performers, rushed to his aid. Despite their efforts, Chavarro died from his injuries after being transported to a local hospital’s intensive care unit.

Hundreds of spectators, including many children, witnessed the fall. One witness recounted, “There were many children at the performance, and they began to cry from what they saw.” The horrifying experience sparked a wave of shock and grief among those who attended the performance.

The Russian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal investigation into Chavarro’s death, seeking to determine the exact circumstances and whether any safety protocols were violated. 

The Demidov circus, known for its daring acts, has been scrutinized for its safety measures. The incident has reignited discussions about the safety of circus performers and the ethical considerations of such high-risk stunts. Opposition to circuses in Russia, particularly those involving animals, has been growing due to a spate of accidents and concerns about animal cruelty.

In April, activists called for a ban on using animals in Russian circuses after disturbing footage emerged showing black bears forced to fight each other while dressed in costumes. These performances, which remain popular in some regions, particularly resort areas like Sochi on the Black Sea, have faced increasing backlash. Yuri Koretskikh, a prominent animal rights activist, has been at the forefront of this movement, launching a petition that has garnered over 116,000 signatures.

The broader issue of safety in circuses has come to the forefront with Chavarro’s death. Critics argue that stricter safety measures and regulations are necessary to protect performers and animals. Like many others in Russia, the Demidov circus features a range of high-risk acts.

Circus performances have long been a staple of entertainment in Russia, with a history dating back to the 11th century. However, modern sensibilities are increasingly clashing with these traditional forms of entertainment, particularly when endangering performers and animals. 

Chavarro’s career began when he was a teenager. At the age of 16, he left his home in Oporapa, Colombia to dedicate himself to acrobatics and extreme sports. He participated in several circuses, including the Mongolian and the Monte Carlo Circuses. His last visit to Oporapa to see family was in March of this year. His relatives are in the process of repatriating his body to his homeland.

The loss of Chavarro has cast a shadow over the Demidov circus and prompted a reevaluation of the risks inherent in such performances.