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A stuntman performing a human cannonball trick was injured after he fell out of a net at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival in Indio on Sunday.
Chachi “The Rocketman” Valencia was transported to a local hospital about 15 minutes into his performance, the Press-Enterprise reports.
His injuries, while minor, were “traumatic” in nature, Cal Fire told the publication. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office told the Press-Enterprise that Valencia had fallen out of a safety net during the performance.
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Chachi Valencia, alias “The Rocket Man,” performs at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on Aug. 12, 2012. (Damien Meyer/AFP/GettyImages) -
Chachi Valencia, alias “The Rocket Man,” performs at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on Aug. 12, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/GettyImages) -
Chachi Valencia, alias “The Rocket Man,” performs at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on Aug. 12, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/GettyImages) -
Chachi Valencia, alias The Rocketman, is propelled in the air at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on Aug. 12, 2012. (Odd Andersen/AFP/GettyImages) -
Chachi Valencia, alias “The Rocket Man,” performs at the Olympic stadium during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games in London on Aug. 12, 2012. (Jewel Samad/AFP/GettyImages)
On his website, Valencia said his safety net is 20 feet off the ground. During the stunt, which puts a force that’s five times stronger than gravity on his body, he’s launched at least 100 feet.
“If I am 100% ready for take off with all of my muscles tight, it doesn’t hurt,” he explained.
Despite the dangerous nature of Valencia’s stunt, fair officials confirmed Sunday night that he will survive this injury.
“Riverside County Fairgrounds staff have been informed that Rocketman Valencia will be released from the hospital this evening and is expected to fully recover,” the statement said.
