Cirque du Soleil Resumes After Accidental Death Of Founder's Son In SF

BAY AREA, CA – A Cirque du Soleil show in San Francisco that was put on hold after one of the show's technicians died during an accident Tuesday evening, resumed Saturday night.

Saturday's performance, which took place at 8 p.m. at AT&T Park, was the first show since the fatal accident, according to show officials.

"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,"
show officials said in a statement Saturday.

Show officials have identified the technician as Olivier Rochette of Quebec. Rochette was the son of Gilles Ste-Croix, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil, according to show officials.

Rochette died during a pre-set for the show Tuesday.

At around 6:45 p.m., officers responded to a reported accident in the Cirque du Soleil tent at Mission Rock and Third streets.

Rochette had been struck in the head by a telescopic lift, according to Cirque du Soleil.

He was taken to a hospital, where he later died, police said.

Tuesday's showing of "Luzia" was canceled.

"It is with immense sadness that we report a fatal accident that occurred last night," Cirque du Soleil officials said in a statement Wednesday.

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/File photo