A 27-year-old trapeze artist died Saturday night after falling during a live performance at the Paul Busch Circus in Bautzen, Germany. The accident occurred in front of nearly 100 spectators, including families with children, according to reports, as reported by The New York Post.

The performer, identified as Marina B. from Spain, was attempting a solo trapeze act when she fell 16 feet to the ground. Witnesses reported that the audience was left in shock as emergency responders rushed to the scene. Despite immediate efforts, Marina was pronounced dead at the circus venue.

“We can’t believe what’s happened,” a circus employee told Bild, a German newspaper.

The incident prompted the Paul Busch Circus to cancel its scheduled shows in the aftermath. Local authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances of Marina’s fall.

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Ralf Huppertz, head of Germany’s circus association, suggested that Marina may have suffered a medical issue during the act. “It’s unusual for a well-trained artist like Marina to not survive a fall from that height,” Huppertz told Bild. “Perhaps she got dizzy on the trapeze.”

Police confirmed that Marina was not wearing a safety rope during her performance but emphasized that the choice was her own. “She doesn’t have to,” police spokesman Stefan Heiduck said.

“She decides for herself whether to use safety rope.” Officials added that no one else was in the ring at the time of the fall.

Marina, originally from Mallorca, had been performing professionally for more than ten years. She had recently joined the Paul Busch Circus for its upcoming tour and was regarded as a seasoned artist with significant experience in aerial performance.

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Just weeks prior to the incident, Marina posted a photo of herself on Instagram performing on a tightrope. “Up here, I work best,” she wrote in the caption. “I believe that art has the power to create unforgettable moments.”

The accident has drawn attention to the inherent risks of circus performances, especially for artists who choose to perform without safety equipment. Tributes have poured in on social media from colleagues and fans who praised Marina’s dedication and artistry.

Authorities in Bautzen continue to review the case, and the Paul Busch Circus has not announced when it will resume its shows.

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