ST. PAUL, Minn., May 24 (UPI) -- A Minnesota state law criminalizing acrobatic performances without safety nets may be used to prosecute circus owners for the death of a female performer.
Dessi Espana, 32, was executing an "aerial ballet" at a Ringling Bros. circus in St. Paul Saturday when the long chiffon scarves she was suspended from loosened and gave way, causing her to fall 25 feet to her death, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.
"There's no indication of foul play or wrongdoing. We're looking at it as an unfortunate accident," said St. Paul Police Commander Joseph Neuberger.
The Ramsey County medical examiner is working with the police to determine why Espana died. Once the investigation is complete, prosecutors in the St. Paul city attorney's office will take into account Minnesota's "acrobatic exhibitions" law, which bans proprietors from allowing acrobatic performances without safety nets or other protection. Violating the law carries a fine of $250 and up to a year in jail.
