Marco Antonio Huicochea Gonzalez died after a steel, aerial acrobatics ring fell on his head. The accident happened during a rehearsal break at a Northwest Side studio.
Gonzalez came from Mexico and joined DanceWorks Chicago just one year ago. Something went terribly wrong at dance rehearsal at a North Mayfair studio on Monday night where Gonzalez was killed. Chicago Police say he was struck by a steel acrobatic ring in the back of the head.
Julie Nakagawa, the artistic director for the troupe, posted a statement on its website that said: "There was a freak occurrence during a rehearsal break, and DanceWorks Chicago dancer Marco Antonio Huicochea González suffered a life-ending accident."
The Mexican consulate notified Gonzalez's family.
"Whenever any Mexican dies outside of its own country, or any person dies outside of its own country, not surrounded by its families, and in particular, when it's a tragic death, something that is not expected, its also just as horrible," said Angelica Amador, communications director, Mexican Consulate.
No one from the troupe was at the DanceWorks office on Tuesday, but other performers hearing of the news reflected on the risk of performing.
"It's easy to forget in this business, and even watching a performance, that a lot of what we do as performers is inherently dangerous," said Brandon Moorhead, performer.
Oscar Villegas has a production company in the same building where the accident occurred. He uses similar rings for his shows and understands need to take great care with such equipment
"You really, really need to know what you're doing, because you're risking somebody else's life," said Oscar Villegas, Pink Noise Productions.
Gonzalez was 22 and a dancer who was energetic, powerful, athletic and precise. He started his studies in Mexico and also studied in Paris, New York and was just making his mark here in Chicago.
