WARNING: Distressing content that some may find triggering. Please read at your own discretion.
An acrobat in China fell to her death while performing a stunt with her husband during a live performance without wearing a safety line. Sun Moumou was mid-air with her husband, whose last name is Zhang, during a show in Hougau in Anhui when she fell and severely injured herself. Despite being rushed to hospital, she didn’t survive the plunge and sadly passed away.
In a video of the incident, the couple can be seen being lifted into the air by a crane. Sun then locks her hands behind her husband’s head and stands on his feet as a rope holds him in place by his arms. Sadly, Sun’s arms then slip and her husband is unable to catch her. She then falls to the ground below.
According to a statement from the Tongqiao government, doctors at a local hospital were unable to save her and she died from her injuries. Her colleagues say she was “still breathing weakly” after the plunge and was still alive when paramedics arrived on the scene.
The show in progress as well as all shows scheduled for the weekend were subsequently canceled as Chinese authorities launch an investigation. According to local reports, Sun Moumou refused to wear a safety line, a decision her husband did not agree with. However, Zhang denies that report, telling Yangzi Evening News (via NY Post), “We were always happy together. There was no fight. As I am in the middle of the process of dealing with all of this, I can’t disclose any specific details at this time.”
Anhui Taxi Performing Arts Media Company ran the performance but was fined $7,000 for failing to get permission for the event and “holding commercial performances without approval.” The Culture and Tourism department said the company will be “dealt with accordingly.”
A lot of discussions on Chinese socials today about the fatal accident that happened last night in Suzhou during a live acrobatic show. The female performer did not wear safety lines and she fell. She was rushed to hospital but passed away. (video end cut due to shocking content) pic.twitter.com/l5DCf0ilN1
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) April 16, 2023
Another video of the incident was posted online today including the presenter’s voice saying they’re “30 meters up in the air without protective measures!” as if it was a good thing. pic.twitter.com/vOMuCTKfrT
— Manya Koetse (@manyapan) April 18, 2023
