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Dancer killed in motorbike accident hours before Sadler's Wells show Dancer Jonathan Ollivier killed in motorbike accident hours before Sadler's Wells show
(about 1 hour later)
A professional dancer was killed in a motorbike accident hours before he was due to perform in the final show of Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells Theatre. Professional dancer Jonathan Ollivier has been killed in a motorbike collision hours before he was due to perform on stage in London.
Jonathan Ollivier, 38, was killed as he rode his motorbike through Clerkenwell in central London on Sunday, Scotland Yard said. Ollivier, 38, who was starring in Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells, died after a black Mercedes saloon struck his motorbike on Farringdon Road.
His sister Rachel Ollivier wrote on Facebook: “To all my beautiful little bro friends, it is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Jon tragically died today. We love him and will miss him massively xx.” Related: Tributes paid to Car Man dancer who died in collision before performance
Ollivier, from Northampton, played the role of Luca in Bourne’s show. The driver of the Mercedes was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed to a date in February next year.
He was on his motorbike when he collided with a black Mercedes saloon car shortly after 11am on Sunday. Police, paramedics and an air ambulance tried to save his life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before noon. Tributes were paid by family members and the dance community as it emerged Ollivier, who was married to South African principal ballerina Desiré Samaai, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision at around 11am on Sunday.
The driver stopped and was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He is currently in custody at a central London police station. Ollivier’s next of kin have been informed. His sister Rachel Ollivier wrote on Facebook: “To all my beautiful little bro friends, it is with a heavy heart that we have to tell you that Jon tragically died today. We love him and will miss him massively.”
English dancer Bennet Gartside, first soloist at the Royal Ballet said: “So so sad to hear this today. What a loss. An old school friend and an amazing artist.”
So so sad to hear this today. What a loss. An old school friend and an amazing artist. RIP Jon Ollivier x http://t.co/ovwyf32ypc
Dance writer and critic Graham Watts said: “Jonathan Ollivier was a stunning dancer as well as very nice guy - sending condolences to his wife, Desiré, and his family.”
Jonathan Ollivier (@Ollyjonny1) was a stunning dancer as well as very nice guy - sending condolences to his wife, Desiré, and his family...
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Karen Clifton said: “Deepest condolences to the family and friends of one of the nicest and most talented dancers. Jonathan Ollivier.”
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of one of the nicest and most talented dancers. Jonathan Ollivier .RIP. #TheCarMan
His fellow cast were said to be “shaken” after the accident and Sunday’s show, by the dance company New Adventures, was cancelled. Theatregoers were turned away and told by staff the production had been cancelled “due to a tragic accident”.His fellow cast were said to be “shaken” after the accident and Sunday’s show, by the dance company New Adventures, was cancelled. Theatregoers were turned away and told by staff the production had been cancelled “due to a tragic accident”.
In an email to patrons the theatre said: “On behalf of the company New Adventures, we regret to inform patrons that tonight’s performance of The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells has had to be cancelled due to a tragic accident earlier today. In an email to patrons, the theatre said: “On behalf of the company New Adventures, we regret to inform patrons that tonight’s performance of The Car Man at Sadler’s Wells has had to be cancelled due to a tragic accident earlier today.
“While due process is being followed we are unable to give further information however we offer our sincere condolences to those concerned. New Adventures and Sadler’s Wells are sorry for the inconvenience caused to patrons due to attend tonight’s performance.”“While due process is being followed we are unable to give further information however we offer our sincere condolences to those concerned. New Adventures and Sadler’s Wells are sorry for the inconvenience caused to patrons due to attend tonight’s performance.”
Ollivier, who was born in Northampton, had been playing the role of Luca in Bourne’s show. He studied dance at the Rambert Ballet School before joining the Cape Town City Ballet Company, the Northern Ballet Theatre and finally Bourne’s company New Adventures.