Horrific moment Cirque du Soleil aerialist plunges to his death during show

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: A Cirque du Soleil aerialist has plunged to his death after falling five metres from aerial straps during a live show.

Yann Arnaud, 38, from France, was rushed to hospital following the fall during a VOLTA performance in Tampa, US, on Saturday but later succumbed to his injuries.

Harrowing footage shows the acrobat losing his grip as he swings from a strap alongside another performer. A packed audience watch on in horror as he plummets through the air, crashing onto the stage floor.

"The entire Cirque du Soleil family is in shock and devastated by this tragedy," Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, said in a statement.

"Over the coming days and weeks, our focus will be on supporting Yann's family and our employees, especially the Volta team, as we go through these difficult times together."

Cirque du Soleil confirmed they will be investigating the incident while Tampa Police Department is also investigating, despite a department spokesman saying the fall appeared to be accidental, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

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Mr Arnaud had been working for the Canadian theatre company for 15 years and tweeted just hours before his death speaking of his excitement for the show.

He leaves behind his wife and two young daughters.

Cirque du Soleil has cancelled its upcoming performances.