A circus performer was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center after being accidentally shot in the neck by an arrow during a crossbow act on July 24 at the Orange County Fair in Wallkill, New York.
State police reported that Edwin A. Cuervo Rangel, 38, was holding a foam target at approximately 9:30 p.
m. when his wife and fellow performer, 42-year-old Ana B.
Daza Tavera, missed the target during their act.
Both performers reside in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and were participating in the Big Top Circus featuring Circus Murcia, a new attraction at the annual fair.
Cuervo Rangel was listed in stable condition following the incident. The projectile hit the side of his neck, avoiding critical blood vessels.
He was discharged from the hospital on Saturday after receiving medical treatment and stitches.
Emergency responders from the New York State Police troopers assigned to the fair and investigators from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Middletown responded to the scene immediately.
Officials confirmed that no other injuries occurred among the audience or staff members, though the remainder of Friday night's circus schedule was promptly called off.
Circus Murcia Ringmaster Benjamin Jackson shared details about the incident. "Well, last night, unfortunately, when she shot the crossbow, it caught him in his neck," said Jackson.
He noted that the strike occurred in an area comprised mostly of soft tissue rather than major arteries.
"The good news is, she caught him right at the very corner of the neck. There was no blood, nothing," said Jackson.
He elaborated on the immediate aftermath. "No blood leaking out.
There was a little around the hole where the arrow went in, kind of like getting your ear pierced," said Jackson.
Jackson added that Cuervo Rangel was walking, talking, and eating while recovering from the injury prior to resuming his role in the traveling act.
Circus Murcia owner Alexander Murcia praised the quick intervention of emergency personnel and local medical teams.
"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," said Murcia.
The circus resumed its regular schedule of three daily shows on Saturday without the crossbow stunt.
State police requested anyone who witnessed the incident to contact investigators at (845) 344-5300.
