Acrobat falls to her death while performing stunt with husband

A video has emerged of an acrobat in China falling to her death while performing a routine mid-air with her husband.

Chinese acrobat, Sun Moumou, was performing a routine in mid-air with her husband, whose surname is Zhang, when she fell.

The couple, both 37, were performing in the Anhui province village of Hougao, China on Saturday when the tragic event occurred.

The couple can be seen being pulled high into the air by a crane.

Sun can be seen holding onto her husband by locking her hands behind his head and standing on his feet as he is suspended by ropes by both arms.

Sun's feet then appear to slip but before her husband could steady her with his legs, she loses her grip and falls to the ground.

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A statement from the Tongqiao goverment said that she was taken to hospital but died of her injuries.

One of their colleagues claimed to reporters that Sun was not killed instantly by the fall and was 'still breathing weakly' when help arrived.

The show, as well as other shows planned over the weekend, were cancelled and the shocking incident was investigated by Chinese authorities.

Local reporters also claimed that Sun had refused to wear a safety line, which had led to apparent friction between the couple and was allegedly witnessed by onlookers.

However, her husband has denied these accusations.

"We were always happy together. There was no fight. As I am in the middle of the process of dealing with all of this, I can’t disclose any specific details at this time," he told Yangzi Evening News.

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In another statement released on Tuesday (18 April), the Tongqiao government said that an investigation into the tragedy had been ruled by authorities as a 'an accident'.

They added that the show had been hosted by a local farm business owner, who had contacted the Anhui Yaxi Performing Arts Media Company to run the performance.

According to the investigation's findings, the company had failed to obtain approval from authorities prior to the show and had also failed to provide essential safety protection and emergency measures during the performance.

The use of a crane was also in violation of regulations, the statement continued.

The company who organised the show are being fined over $7,000 (£5,623) for allegedly 'holding commercial performances without approval'.

And the local Culture and Tourism department has said they will be 'dealt with accordingly'.