Ukrainian Acrobat In Cirque Du Soleil Dies In Accident While Training

October 19, 2009 6:35 a.m. EST

Montreal, Quebec (AHN) - A Ukrainian acrobat from the Cirque du Soleil died Saturday in a Montreal hospital after he sustained injuries caused by an accident Friday while he was training on the Russian swing.

Cirque identified the performance as 24 year old Oleksander Zhurov.

According to the circus, performers in the Russian swing are thrown up to 30 feet up in the air where they do aerial stunts before their land on their feet, on the shoulders of partner or on top of a human pyramid. Zhurov fell off a trampoline while training.

He has been with Cirque for only a few months.

Cirque founder Guy Laliberte expressed sadness at Zhurov's death. He said the accident is a reminder of the courage and determination shown by their performers every day.