No safety rope

Barceló was not wearing a safety harness – a decision permitted by local regulations.

According to police spokesperson Stefan Heiduck, artists in Germany can legally choose whether or not to use safety equipment like harnesses or ropes.

“It’s up to the performer,” Heiduck told Bild, adding that “she doesn’t have to” wear a safety rope, he further explained.

Ralf Huppertz, head of Germany’s circus association, questioned whether a medical event could have led to the fall.

“It’s unusual for a well-trained artist like Marina not to survive a fall from that height,” he said. “Perhaps she got dizzy on the trapeze.”

Huppertz added, “Artistry is a dangerous profession. Some performances simply can’t be properly secured.”