A disturbing event at the Demidov circus in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, left spectators shocked as a stuntman fell approximately 23 feet from a high wire, landing head-first. The incident occurred on July 15, 2024, near the Ukrainian conflict zone.
Sixto Octavio Chavarro, a 44-year-old acrobat from Colombia, was performing a high-wire bicycle act when he lost his balance. Chavarro, who had been working in Russia for the last eight years, had successfully crossed once but fell while trying to navigate the wire backward. Witnesses reported that he fell without a safety net and landed on the circus ring with a significant impact.
Video footage captured the aftermath of the fall, showing Chavarro motionless as circus personnel, including performers, scrambled to assist him. Despite their fast response, Chavarro succumbed to his grave injuries after being rushed to a local hospital’s intensive care unit.
The fall was witnessed by hundreds, many of whom were children. A witness shared, “There were many children at the performance, and they began to cry from what they saw.” The tragic occurrence has provoked a ripple of shock and mourning among those present.
The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a criminal investigation into Chavarro’s death. The probe seeks to ascertain the exact circumstances of the fall and whether any safety procedures were breached.
The Demidov circus, notorious for its dangerous acts, has come under scrutiny for its safety standards. This incident has reignited debates about the safety of circus performers and the ethical implications of such high-risk stunts. Opposition to circuses in Russia, especially those involving animals, has been increasing due to a string of accidents and concerns about animal cruelty.
In April, activists demanded a ban on the use of animals in Russian circuses after unsettling footage of black bears being forced to fight each other while in costumes surfaced. These shows, which remain popular in certain regions, particularly resort areas like Sochi on the Black Sea, have been facing escalating backlash. Yuri Koretskikh, a prominent animal rights activist, has spearheaded this movement, launching a petition that has received over 116,000 signatures.
In light of Chavarro’s death, the broader issue of safety in circuses has been thrust into the spotlight. Critics argue for stricter safety precautions and regulations to protect both performers and animals. The Demidov circus, like many others in Russia, showcases a variety of high-risk acts.
Circus performances have been a mainstay of Russian entertainment since the 11th century. However, contemporary values are increasingly conflicting with these traditional forms of entertainment, particularly when they put performers and animals at risk.
Chavarro started his career as a teenager. At 16, he left his hometown of Oporapa, Colombia to pursue acrobatics and extreme sports. He performed in various circuses, including the Mongolian and Monte Carlo Circuses. His last visit to his family in Oporapa was in March of this year. His family is currently arranging to bring his body back to Colombia.
The passing of Chavarro has brought a somber tone to the Demidov circus and has triggered a reassessment of the inherent risks involved in such performances.
