Teenage Trapeze Artist Injured While Using Aerial Silks in Circus Accident

A circus performer reportedly suffered a serious fall, which prompted his circus troupe to cancel several upcoming performances.

In a statement on their website, Circus Smirkus said one of its members was involved in a “rigging incident” during one of its “Big Top Tour” performances, resulting in injuries. No further details about the performer’s condition were released.

“The trouper involved is a beloved member of the Smirkus family,” the company said in a statement. “Their spirit, generosity, and dedication in and out of the ring shines. We are holding their family in our hearts as we root them on towards recovery.”

As a result of the incident, Circus Smirkus cancelled several upcoming performance on their tour. The group noted that the tour will close out with two shows set for Sunday, Aug. 17 at their headquarters in Greensboro, Vt. 

While the circus did not share any other details about the injured troupe member, it was reported by The Newport Daily Express that it was an 18-year-old trapeze performer who was injured during a July 22 performance at the Cracker-Barrel Fairground in Wrentham, Mass.

Wrentham Police Chief William McGrath told the outlet that officers received a report about a performer who had fallen between 10 and 20 feet while using aerial silks. They were suspected of having a spinal cord injury. Officers were dispatched to the site just before 8 p.m.

“When officers arrived on the scene, the victim was alert, conscious and able to speak,” McGrath told the outlet, adding that a nurse attending the show provided initial aid to the performer. 

The outlet reported that the injured performer was treated for their injuries at a trauma hospital in Rhode Island.

Circus Smirkus Executive and Artistic Director Rachel Schiffer told the outlet that, “Fortunately, the performer is expected to recover from the injuries sustained in the fall.”

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Circus Smirkus and the Wrentham Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on the incident. 

A spokesperson for Circus Smirkus told The Hardwick Gazette that “safety is paramount and a serious component in all of the training and performances.”

According to The Newport Daily Express, professional circus organizations have to maintain safety protocols to ensure the safety of their performers. When accidents do rarely occur,

Despite this, rare accidents can still occur. In those instances, the company is expected to investigate what went wrong and implent changes to prevent similar accidents in the future.