Performances were canceled following the death of Olivier Rochette, the 43-year-old son of Gilles Ste-Croix, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, who was killed in a freak accident backstage of Luzia, which is currently playing San Francisco. The technician, according to TheGlobeandMail.com, was struck by a telescopic lift November 29 while setting up for a performance of Luzia inside the troupe’s tent.
Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre said in a statement at the time, “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.”
A December 6 statement reads, “Cirque du Soleil wishes to thank fans, friends, family members, the San Francisco community and the entire Cirque du Soleil family from around the world for their love and support through these difficult times.”
Cirque du Soleil is currently represented on Broadway with the new production Paramour.