A performer in the famous Cirque du Soleil has died after falling off a stage during a show in Las Vegas.

    Paris-born Sarah Guyard-Guillot was performing at the MGM Grand.

    The 31-year-old acrobat* and mother of two was pronounced dead late on June 29 in a hospital after falling 50ft (15m) from the stage.

    Her death is believed to be the first fatality* during a live performance in the show’s 30-year history.

    The show was stopped and audience members were told that refunds or vouchers to future shows would be offered.

    Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte issued a statement on Sunday praising the performer, who had been with the original cast since 2006 and had worked as an acrobat for 20 years.

    Millions of people around the world go to see touring and resident Cirque du Soleil shows every year.

    (SD-Agencies)