Rocketman Valencia’s Human Cannonball Stunt Goes Awry, Leaving Him Injured but Undeterred
The high-flying world of circus performance took a dangerous turn for Chachi "Rocketman" Valencia on March 2nd when a human cannonball stunt went wrong at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, California. The veteran stuntman, a seasoned professional with three decades of experience in propelling himself through the air, suffered significant injuries after miscalculating his trajectory due to an unexpected wind gust. The dramatic incident, captured on video by a spectator, has sparked renewed discussion about the inherent risks involved in such daring performances and the precarious financial situations many independent circus performers face.
Valencia, a sixth-generation circus performer, has dedicated his life to the art of spectacle. His act, which involves being launched from a cannon and soaring through the air before landing in a safety net, is a thrilling display of physics, precision, and courage. However, the inherent dangers were laid bare when a sudden shift in wind direction threw off his calculations, causing him to land precariously close to the edge of the net.
The video, which quickly circulated online, shows the moment Valencia was launched from the cannon. He traveled a considerable distance, reaching what appeared to be a safe altitude and horizontal position. However, as he approached the landing net, he veered slightly off course. Instead of landing squarely in the center, he impacted the very edge of the net. The impact sent him bouncing uncontrollably, ultimately resulting in a fall to the hard concrete surface below.
Audience members, initially captivated by the spectacle, reacted with audible gasps of shock and quickly rushed to Valencia’s aid. The seriousness of the situation was immediately apparent.
Valencia himself explained that the accident stemmed from a confluence of factors, primarily an unforeseen change in wind conditions. He emphasized the complex calculations required for each cannonball shot, considering factors such as breeze, cloud cover, and atmospheric pressure. “Each shot, of which I do 300 to 500 a year, requires a careful set of calculations that take into consideration everything from breeze to cloud cover and beyond,” he stated.
He recounted that the team had practiced the stunt the day before in windy conditions, experiencing gusts that pushed him backwards, causing him to fall short of the net. Adjustments were made to compensate for this backward pressure. However, on the day of the performance, a rogue gust of wind hit Valencia sideways the moment he was launched.
"We got a gust of wind coming at me from left to right and then it threw me off to one side and I just happened to land on the edge and happened to hit the edge of the net, which probably saved my life," Valencia said, highlighting the potentially fatal consequences of the incident.
The accident left Valencia with a lacerated liver, broken ribs, a broken wrist, and an L1 vertebrae fracture. These injuries represent the most severe he has sustained in his long career.
Prior to becoming the "Rocketman," Valencia’s introduction to the human cannonball tradition came through marriage. He married into a family that specialized in the act, spending the first 15 years of his career launching his then-wife from the cannon before taking on the role of the human projectile himself. He described his transition to becoming the star of the show as a natural progression. “It’s something that came to me very fast, very quickly, very easily, so it was almost like it was something I was meant to be doing,” he said.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Valencia remains remarkably resilient and determined to return to performing. He considers the accident a setback but not a deterrent. However, his immediate future is uncertain.
Compounding his physical challenges is the lack of formal health insurance. This leaves him facing the daunting prospect of mounting medical bills and household expenses while unable to work. The stress of these financial burdens looms large, perhaps even greater than the fear of repeating the stunt.
Recognizing Valencia’s predicament, friends and supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help offset his expenses. As of Monday evening, the campaign had raised over $11,500 towards a goal of $55,000. The funds are crucial for covering medical bills, living expenses, and rehabilitation costs, allowing Valencia to focus on his recovery.
Valencia’s passion for his craft extends beyond financial gain. He derives immense satisfaction from the audience’s reaction to his performances, particularly the awe and wonder he inspires in children. "Of course, this is how I make a living, this is my career but I don’t just do it for that … I do it because of what I get from it, from the kids, from the people," he explained. "Being in awe of what they just witnessed … the connecting with the audience and the little kids. For kids it’s kind of like you’re a superhero to them, so it’s something I enjoy doing."
The history of the human cannonball act dates back to 1877, with the first known performer being 17-year-old Rossa Matilda Richter, who performed under the name Zazel at the Royal Aquarium in London. In 1922, Ildebrando Zacchini invented a cannon that used compressed air to launch humans. This innovation led to the Zacchini family’s induction into the Ringling Brothers Circus Hall of Fame.
While the human cannonball act was once a staple of mainstream circus performances, it has become increasingly rare due to its inherent risks. Valencia noted that encountering other human cannonball performers is now uncommon. The nomadic nature of circus work, characterized by independent contracts and constant travel, further limits collaboration among performers.
Despite the challenges and the recent accident, Valencia remains committed to his profession. He intends to return to the air as soon as his body allows. His dedication to his craft and his resilience in the face of adversity make him a compelling figure in the world of circus performance. He epitomizes the spirit of risk-taking and perseverance that defines many circus artists. Even though he is aware of the dangers, he plans to remain one of those performers after he recovers. His story serves as a reminder of the passion, dedication, and inherent risks that are often found behind the dazzling displays of circus arts.
