Circus Performer ‘incredibly Lucky’ To Be Alive After Being Accidentally Shot In Neck

A circus capacity astatine an upstate New York region adjacent took a terrifying move Friday nighttime erstwhile a performer was accidentally changeable successful nan cervix pinch an arrow during a crossbow act, authorities confirmed.

The incident occurred astatine nan Orange County Fair successful Middletown, northwest of New York City.

Edwin Cuervo Rangel, 38, was struck by an arrow fired by his partner, Ana Daza Tavera, 42, during their crossbow sharpshooting enactment arsenic he held a foam target.

Both performers are from Waukesha, Wisconsin.

Cuervo Rangel was airlifted to a hospital successful unchangeable condition, starring to nan cancellation of nan circus for nan evening.

Benjamin Jackson, ringmaster astatine Circus Murcia, provided an update connected Monday, stating Cuervo Rangel was incredibly fortunate.

The arrow struck nan broadside of his cervix successful an area chiefly composed of soft tissue, avoiding awesome humor vessels. "No humor leaking out. There was a small astir nan spread wherever nan arrow went in, benignant of for illustration getting your receptor pierced," Jackson said.

Cuervo Rangel was released from nan infirmary connected Saturday aft nan arrow was safely removed and he received stitches, according to Jackson.

While he will require clip to heal earlier he tin resume performing, Jackson confirmed he was "walking around, talking, eating, enjoying life."

Circus Murcia returned to its regular schedule of 3 shows a time connected Saturday, though notably without nan crossbow act.

The Circus Murcia enactment is simply a caller circus added this twelvemonth to nan Empire State Fair. The Orange County Fair is nan oldest successful New York and has been happening for 186 years.

The adjacent runs until Aug. 2. Big Top Circus featuring Circus Murcia was advertised arsenic nan must-see attraction.