Chachi “The Rocketman” Valencia’s latest stunt didn’t work out the way he hoped.
The stuntman—known for his work as the “human cannonball”—was hospitalized on March 2, after he was injured during his performance at the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. Fair officials announced in a March 2 Instagram post that Chachi was transported from the fairgrounds to the hospital, “due to injuries suffered during his 2:30 p.m. performance.”
Chachi climbed into a cannon and was launched at 55 mph at approximately 65 feet with the goal of landing 165 feet away in a narrow safety net. However, according to the Los Angeles Times, windy conditions made the performer miss the target and he landed on the asphalt where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
A GoFundMe was set up by his family, who detailed the injuries Chachi sustained. The family also revealed his long road to recovery.
“As a result of this accident, Chachi sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, a broken wrist, and a lacerated liver,” the page set up by David Valencia reads. “He may require surgery in the next 10 days.”
“Beyond the physical pain, the medical bills are already mounting, and the road to recovery will be long,” it added. “He's facing significant time away from work and his passion, and the financial strain is adding to the stress on his health and well-being.”
According to the family, the donations—which have reached over $10,000—will help support Chachi’s rehabilitation, medical expenses, loss of income and, “get him back flying through the air!.”
Days after the incident, and following his brief hospitalization, Chachi reflected on the moment he knew things took a turn and gave an update on his current condition.
"Right before the shot, I think the wind moved and it started a crosswind, and that's what happened—the wind caught me and threw me off to one side," Chachi told Fox LA on March 4. "I don't remember anything until I was in the ambulance on my way to the hospital.”
"I'm really sore. It's hard for me to move around, it's mostly because of the cracked ribs that I have," he added. "I also have a broken wrist that's not bothering me so bad."