Circus man's fatal slip
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
A "fatal error of judgment" was yesterday blamed for the death of a circus performer in front of 400 spectators.
Neville Campbell, 20, fell to the ground and landed on his head during a "Wheel of Death" act at Blackpool Tower Circus on Boxing Day.
A close family friend today described him as "very talented" and "a bit of a daredevil".
A circus expert also defended the aerial act which claimed Mr Campbell's life as being safer than a motorway drive.
Mr Campbell, one of the Campbell Kids act, had been performing stunts with his Australian partner on two giant hamster wheels suspended high above the ring.The apparatus was descending at the end of the performance when he slipped and fell. Police and health and safety experts are investigating the accident.
Blackpool Tower manager Steve Brailey, who witnessed the accident, said: "It was in the last 30 seconds of the act. He appeared to slip and fall through the centre portion and landed on his head on the ring floor. It is an accident that 99 times out of 100 would not be critical."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments