Warning: Graphic scenes

A Brazilian acrobat fell to his death during a live circus performance after a pendulum trick went horribly wrong.

Wilson Gomes Barreto, 28, was performing a trick known as Russian Litter in which 14 acrobats swing from pendulums down into safety nets.

Mr Barreto is seen on the video missing his safe landing zone and falling to the ground.


The acrobat was still conscious after the attack, which also left him with a fractured elbow.

However, after being rushed to hospital, his condition worsened and he was pronounced dead the following day.

The hospital spokesperson confirmed that the young performer incurred cardiorespiratory arrest and severe brain injury in the fall.



Circus director Richard Massone said the incident was a tragedy for the Tihany circus troupe. ‘They expect happy moments fro a circus, not traumatic ones’, he said.