Vladimir Shklyarov, a famous Russian ballet dancer from St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre, has tragically died at just 39 years old. Parade reports that the Mariinsky Theatre announced his passing on Nov. 16, calling it a “huge loss” for their team and his many fans.
A black-and-white photo of Shklyarov was shared on their Instagram page, along with a heartfelt message expressing condolences to his family, friends, and admirers.
According to Parade, Shklyarov fell from the fifth floor of a building in what is believed to have been a freak accident.
Anna Kasatkina, a spokesperson for the Mariinsky Theatre, told the media that Shklyarov went out onto a balcony to get some air and smoke when he lost his balance and fell.
Former ballerina Irina Bartnovskaya called the incident “a stupid, unbearable accident” on Telegram. An investigation into the fall is ongoing, but officials currently think it was accidental.
Parade explained that Shklyarov had been battling a serious back injury and was scheduled for spinal surgery this week.
He had been taking strong painkillers to manage the pain, which might have contributed to the accident.
Shklyarov was a prominent dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre for over 20 years, performing in iconic ballets like Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, and Romeo and Juliet.
Parade noted that his death has left a void in the world of ballet and among his fans, who admired his incredible talent and dedication.
This tragic loss is a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be, even for those at the height of their careers, as Parade highlights.
Fans and friends are now waiting for details on when they can pay their respects to the beloved artist.
Credit : Parade