An audience at the Demidov circus in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, was traumatized when a stuntman fell approximately 23 feet from a high wire, landing headfirst. The incident occurred on July 15, 2024, near the Ukrainian conflict zone.
Sixto Octavio Chavarro, a Colombian acrobat of 44 years, was executing a high-wire bicycle act when the tragic fall happened. Chavarro, who had been performing in Russia for eight years, successfully completed one crossing but lost his balance while trying to ride backward on the wire. Reports from eyewitnesses indicated he fell without any safety net to cushion his fall, landing heavily in the circus ring.
Video footage of the incident displays Chavarro lying still in a blood pool while circus personnel, including fellow performers, hurried to his assistance. However, despite their efforts, Chavarro succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit of a local hospital.
The fall was witnessed by hundreds of spectators, including numerous children. One observer noted, “There were many children at the performance, and they began to cry from what they saw.” The incident triggered shock and sadness among audience members.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation into Chavarro’s death, aiming to ascertain the exact circumstances and determine if any safety protocols were breached.
Known for its courageous acts, the Demidov circus has faced scrutiny over its safety procedures. Chavarro’s death has sparked renewed debates about the safety of circus performers and the ethical implications of high-risk stunts. Opposition to circuses in Russia, especially those involving animals, has been rising due to a series of accidents and concerns about animal mistreatment.
In April, activists sought a prohibition on using animals in Russian circuses after unsettling footage surfaced showing black bears forced to spar each other while costumed. These performances, still popular in certain regions like the Black Sea resort area of Sochi, have faced increasing criticism. Yuri Koretskikh, a leading animal rights activist, has championed this cause, launching a petition that has collected over 116,000 signatures.
Chavarro’s death has brought the broader issue of safety in circuses to the forefront. Critics argue for stricter safety measures and regulations to safeguard both performers and animals. Like many others in Russia, the Demidov circus presents a variety of high-risk acts.
Circus performances have a long history in Russia, tracing back to the 11th century. However, contemporary attitudes are increasingly at odds with these traditional forms of entertainment, especially when they put performers and animals at risk.
Chavarro’s career started when he was a teenager. At 16, he left his home in Oporapa, Colombia to focus on acrobatics and extreme sports. He performed in various circuses, including the Mongolian and the Monte Carlo Circuses. His most recent visit to his family in Oporapa was in March of this year. His family is presently arranging to return his remains to his native land.
The tragic death of Chavarro has cast a pall over the Demidov circus and prompted a reassessment of the inherent risks involved in such performances.