A Cirque du Soleil performer has died after falling during a show in Tampa, Florida.

The theatrical company announced on Twitter that Yann Arnaud fell while performing an aerial straps number during the show VOLTA.

Arnaud was taken to hospital after the fall, where he later died.

Cirque du Soleil cancelled its final two Tampa shows while the company and authorities investigate how the accident happened.

The entertainment group's president, Daniel Lamarre, said: "The entire Cirque du Soleil family is in shock and devastated by this tragedy."

Arnaud had been a performer with Cirque du Soleil for more than 15 years.

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