In a dramatic incident under the big top, a circus performer endured a harrowing experience when an arrow aimed by his partner struck him in the neck, necessitating an emergency airlift to the hospital. The mishap occurred during a performance in New York.
According to New York State Police, the accident took place at the Orange County Fair in Wallkill on Friday at approximately 9:30 p.m. Edwin Cuervo Rangel, aged 38, was performing alongside his wife, Ana Daza Tavera, 42, when the unfortunate event unfolded.
Cuervo Rangel and Daza Tavera, who hail from Wisconsin, are not only professional partners in the circus but also a married couple, as reported by News 12.
Police reports reveal that the duo was executing a stunt involving Daza Tavera aiming an arrow at a foam target held by Cuervo Rangel. Instead of hitting the mark, the arrow struck him, leading to his rapid evacuation for medical attention.
A performer had to be quickly flown to a hospital after his wife, who is also his colleague, inadvertently shot him in the neck with an arrow instead of hitting the intended target during their act. (Source: Orange County Fair/Facebook)
The arrow struck and injured Cuervo Rangel, police said.
Cuervo Rangel was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition.
No other injuries were reported.
A ringmaster for the traveling show company, Circus Murcia, later said the arrow hit Cuervo Rangel in his neck.
“Well, last night, unfortunately, when she shot the crossbow, it caught him in his neck,” Circus Murcia Ringmaster Benjamin Jackson told News 12.
Edwin Cuervo Rangel was airlifted to a hospital in stable condition. (Orange County Fair/Facebook)
“The good news is, she caught him right at the very corner of the neck. There was no blood, nothing,” he added.
Circus Murcia owner Alexander Murcia said Cuervo Rangel is expected to make a full recovery.
“Our thoughts remain with him during his recovery, and we sincerely appreciate the outstanding care provided by the first responders, medical team, and everyone who assisted,” Murcia told the Hudson Valley Post.
News Media reached out to Circus Murcia for comment.
Edwin Cuervo Rangel is expected to make a full recovery. (Orange County Fair/Facebook)
Police said the incident remains under investigation.
The Orange County Fair opened on Thursday and is scheduled to be open daily through Aug. 2.
The Big Top Circus featuring Circus Murcia is new to the fair this year, featuring “breathtaking acrobatics, daring aerial performances, and world-class circus artistry,” according to the fair’s website.