A circus stunt at the Orange County Fair took a terrifying turn when a performer was struck in the neck by an arrow and had to be airlifted to a hospital.
New York State Police said the incident happened around 9:30 p.m. Friday at the fairgrounds in Wallkill, New York.
According to authorities, 42-year-old Ana Daza Tavera was performing with 38-year-old Edwin Cuervo Rangel when the stunt went wrong.
The act involved Daza Tavera firing an arrow toward a foam target held by Cuervo Rangel. Instead of hitting the target, the arrow struck him in the neck.
Circus Murcia ringmaster Benjamin Jackson said the shot caught Cuervo Rangel near the edge of his neck.
“Well, last night, unfortunately, when she shot the crossbow, it caught him in his neck,” Jackson told News 12.
“The good news is, she caught him right at the very corner of the neck. There was no blood, nothing.”
Emergency crews rushed to the scene before Cuervo Rangel was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment.
Authorities said he was in stable condition following the frightening accident.
Circus Murcia owner Alexander Murcia later said the injured performer is expected to make a full recovery.
“Our thoughts remain with him during his recovery, and we sincerely appreciate the outstanding care provided by the first responders, medical team, and everyone who assisted,” Murcia said in a statement.
The incident unfolded in front of fairgoers who had gathered to watch the circus performance, turning what was supposed to be a daring entertainment act into a real-life emergency.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
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