Cirque du Soleil Founder's Son Killed In Bay Area Accident

BAY AREA, CA – A man killed in an accident prior to a Cirque du Soleil show in San Francisco on Tuesday night has been identified as the son of one of the circus' founders.

Olivier Rochette, a technician from Quebec, was the son of Gilles Ste-Croix, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, according to circus officials.

Tuesday's showing of "Luzia" was canceled.

Daniel Lamarre, the circus' CEO, issued a statement today saying he was "heartbroken" by the accident.

"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," Lamarre said. "Olivier has always been a member of our very
tight family and a truly beloved colleague."

Rochette was injured around 6:45 p.m. in the tent at Mission Rock and Third streets during the pre-set of the show "Luzia," according to police.

He was struck in the head by a telescopic lift, according to Cirque du Soleil. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.

The California Division of Occupational Health and Safety has been notified of the accident and is investigating. The department's database does not show any investigations involving Cirque du Soleil in California in the past five years.

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--Bay City News/Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch news