Melbourne colleague describes Cirque du Soleil artist who died during a ... - Herald Sun

Glamour portrait of Sarah Guyard-Guillot taken in March 2012, Las Vegas. Source: Supplied

THE artist who tragically died in a Cirque de Soleil performance has been described by a Melbourne colleague as a vibrant and beautiful girl.

An investigation has been launched into the death of Sarah "Sassoon" Guyard, who was killed when she fell from an elevated stage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Audience members who witnessed the fall said Guillot-Guyard was one of several performers suspended by a wire during the final scene.

They said she slipped free of her safety wire and dropped into an open pit below.

A performer has died during a Cirque Du Soleil performance in the US. Courtesy ABC News

But other witnesses said the acrobat was still wearing her safety harness when she hit the ground.

No formal cause of death has been issued for the Paris-born performer. A coroner is expected to examine the case.

Daniel Power, who teaches circus at the National Institute of Circus Arts, based in Melbourne, remembered Sarah "Sassoon" Guyard fondly yesterday and was mourning her death.

He worked with her in Cirque du Soleil's permanent Las Vegas show, Ka, in 2006.

"It's such a tragedy that in the blink of an eye she was gone," Mr Power said.

Acrobat dies in Las Vegas fall

"She was such a professional and very determined to succeed, but this is what we, as aerialists and circus artists, all face. It's part and parcel of the job, sadly."

Ms Guyard, born in France, died on Saturday when she fell about 15m during the "Battle Field" finale of Ka at the MGM Grand Casino on the Las Vegas strip.

She was part of the corps, an all-round circus artist who did not have a particular specialty.

Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte cancelled the show until further notice.

"I am heartbroken," Mr Laliberte said.

"I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. We are all completely devastated with this news.

Sarah Guyard-Guillot, who has died during a performance, left, with Sami Tiaumassi perform as Forest People during Cirque du Soleil's Ka at MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas. Source: AP

"We are reminded, with great humility and respect, how extraordinary our artists are each and every night. Our focus now is to support each other as a family."

As Ka is an aerial-based show,the Cirque du Soleil producers enforced even stricter than usual safety standards.

"It's so sad for her family," Mr Power said yesterday.

"It's just a terrible accident. We all had to do high fall training just to be able to perform in the show because there were high risks everywhere."

Ms Guyard had not toured Australia with Cirque du Soleil. It is believed she was 31 and a mother of two.

Cirque du Soleil first toured Australia in 1999 with Saltimbanco, followed by six more tours including Alegria (2001), Quidam (2005), Varekai (2007), Dralion (2008-2009), Saltimbanco (Arena tour in 2011) and OVO (2012-13).

An estimated five million Australians have seen a Cirque du Soleil performance in Australia.