A circus performer was airlifted to a hospital after his colleague missed her target and struck him in the neck with an arrow during a performance at the Orange County Fair in New York, according to authorities. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday in the town of Wallkill, as Edwin Cuervo Rangel, 38, and Ana Daza Tavera, 42, who are married, were performing a stunt. State police said Daza Tavera shot an arrow at a foam target that Cuervo Rangel was holding, but the arrow missed and hit him instead.
Cuervo Rangel was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in stable condition. A ringmaster for the traveling show company, Circus Murcia, later told News 12 that the arrow hit Cuervo Rangel in the neck. Ringmaster Benjamin Jackson said, «The good news is, she caught him right at the very corner of the neck. There was no blood, nothing.» No other injuries were reported. Circus Murcia owner Alexander Murcia said Cuervo Rangel is expected to make a full recovery. «Our thoughts remain with him during his recovery, and we sincerely appreciate the outstanding care provided by the first responders, medical team, and everyone who assisted,» Murcia told the Hudson Valley Post.
The Orange County Fair opened on Thursday and is scheduled to run daily through Aug. 2. The Big Top Circus featuring Circus Murcia is new to the fair this year, offering «breathtaking acrobatics, daring aerial performances, and world-class circus artistry,» according to the fair's website. The couple, originally from Wisconsin, had been performing together as part of the circus act. The incident remains under investigation by New York State Police, who said they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The accident has drawn attention to the inherent risks of live circus performances, where precision and trust between performers are critical. The arrow stunt, a classic circus act involving a crossbow and a target held by a performer, requires split-second timing. Mistakes can lead to serious injury, as demonstrated in this case. Fortunately, the swift response by emergency personnel at the fairgrounds and the subsequent airlift to a trauma center likely prevented a worse outcome.
Circus Murcia, a family-owned traveling show, has performed at fairs and events across the country. The company emphasizes safety and professionalism, and this incident is the first of its kind for them. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to the medical team and first responders, while also promising to cooperate fully with the investigation. The Orange County Fair, a popular annual event in the Hudson Valley, continues its operations, with increased attention on the safety protocols for live acts.
The couple's performance history includes various circus disciplines, and they have been part of Circus Murcia for several years. Fellow performers and fair organizers have expressed shock and concern for Cuervo Rangel's well-being. Social media posts from fair attendees and circus fans have circulated, wishing the performer a speedy recovery. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of live entertainment and the bravery of performers who put their safety on the line for the audience's enjoyment.
As of Sunday evening, Cuervo Rangel remained hospitalized but in stable condition, with family members by his side. The medical team at Westchester Medical Center is monitoring his progress, and no further updates on his condition have been released. The circus has postponed performances involving the arrow stunt pending the outcome of the investigation. The fair continues to feature other acts, including acrobatics, aerial performances, and clown shows.
