Circus Archery Act Goes Terribly Wrong at New York Fair

Circus Performance at Orange County Fair Ends With Performer Injured by Arrow

What was supposed to be an exciting circus performance at the Orange County Fair took a frightening turn when one of the performers was injured during an archery act.

According to New York State Police, the incident happened around 9:30 PM on Friday, July 24, at the Orange County Fairgrounds on Wisner Avenue in the Town of Wallkill.

Troopers assigned to the fair responded after receiving reports that members of the circus act had been injured during a live performance.

Arrow Misses Target

State Police say their preliminary investigation found that 42-year-old Ana Daza Tavera, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, was performing an archery stunt during the show.

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As part of the act, she fired an arrow toward a foam target being held by fellow performer 38-year-old Edwin Cuervo Rangel, also of Waukesha.

Instead of striking the target, investigators say the arrow struck Rangel, causing injuries in front of spectators attending the performance.

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Performer Airlifted to Hospital

Emergency crews responded quickly to the scene, and Rangel was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center for treatment.

Police say he was listed in stable condition following the incident.

Police Looking for Witnesses

Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Middletown at (845) 344-5300.

Investigators have not said whether any equipment malfunctioned or what may have caused the arrow to miss its intended target.