California’s Daredevil’s DARING Stunt Goes HORRIBLY Wrong—Show Ends in DISASTER!
A seasoned daredevil’s signature act at a California county fair turned into a heart-stopping nightmare when Mother Nature had other plans. 🌐 #News #IndioCA #California #Accidents
INDIO, CA — A gust of wind transformed a routine human cannonball performance into a terrifying spectacle at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival, leaving veteran California stuntman Chachi Valencia with severe injuries and mounting medical bills.
The High-Flying Legacy
Known professionally as The Rocketman Valencia, the sixth-generation circus performer has spent three decades perfecting his death-defying craft.
Before taking the plunge himself, Valencia spent 15 years launching his former wife from the cannon, building up to his own spectacular performances at venues like the 2012 London Olympics and Rio’s 2014 Carnival.
When Nature Strikes
On that fateful March 2 afternoon, just 15 minutes into his performance, Valencia donned his signature yellow jumpsuit and prepared for what should have been another flawless flight.
The seasoned performer, who typically soars at speeds reaching 55 mph and heights of 65 feet, had factored in the wind conditions during practice. But an unexpected powerful gust sent him careening toward the edge of his safety net, positioned 20 feet above the ground.
The Aftermath
The impact launched Valencia back into the air, sending him spinning before a brutal collision with the concrete below.
Emergency responders rushed to aid the motionless performer as horrified onlookers watched. Medical evaluations revealed broken ribs, a wrist injury, and a lacerated liver.
Road to Recovery
Now recuperating at his North Texas home after a brief stay with California relatives, Valencia maintains his determination to return to his beloved profession.
His son David has initiated a fundraising campaign to help offset the growing medical expenses and support his father during what promises to be an extended recovery period.
The Show Must Go On
Despite performing this precise calculation-dependent stunt 300 to 500 times annually across the globe, this incident marks a rare mishap in Valencia’s illustrious career.
As he focuses on healing alongside his faithful canine companion, the resilient performer eyes a return to the cannon that has defined his professional life.
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RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | California | Texas
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