Cirque Du Soleil Co-founder's Son Dies in Accident Before Show
Olivier Rochette was struck by a lift and died from his injuries.
The son of a Cirque du Soleil co-founder was struck by a lift and died from his injures, according to a report. He was working on the "Luzia" show in San Francisco. Olivier Rochette, a Cirque du Soleil technician, was struck by a telescopic lift and taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.
The San Francisco Police Department and Cal/OSHA are investigating the incident.
Cirque du Soleil released a statement: "The entire Cirque du Soleil family is deeply saddened by the accidental death of LUZIA technician, Olivier Rochette, from Quebec, that happened on November 29th, in San Francisco. His immediate family, including his father Gilles Ste-Croix, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, has been informed of the accident. Our thoughts are with Gilles, his family and all Cirque du Soleil employees."
Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre added, "I am heartbroken. I wish to extend in my name and in the name of all Cirque du Soleil employees my sincerest sympathies and offer my full support to Gilles and his family. Olivier has always been a member of our tight family and a beloved colleague."