An upstate circus performer was airlifted to a hospital after a colleague's arrow missed its target and struck him in the neck during a performance Friday night. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. at the Orange County Fair in Wallkill, New York.
New York State Police confirmed that Ana Daza Tavera, 42, was performing a stunt with Edwin Cuervo Rangel, 38, when the accident happened. The act involved Tavera shooting an arrow from a bow at a foam target held by Rangel. The arrow struck Rangel in the neck.
Circus Murcia Ringmaster Benjamin Jackson described the incident, stating, "The good news is, she caught him right at the very corner of the neck. There was no blood, nothing."
Rangel was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center and is in stable condition, according to authorities. Officials from Circus Murcia indicated that Rangel is expected to make a full recovery. Alexander Murcia, owner of Circus Murcia, expressed gratitude for the care provided by first responders and the medical team.
New York State Police have stated that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.