After a harrowing plunge toward death, circus aerialists rise back to life An accident nearly killed the aerialists of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The long fight for recovery has been their toughest act yet. Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal Published 9:05 am UTC May. 13, 2021 An accident nearly killed the aerialists of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The long fight for recovery has been their toughest act yet. Paul Edward Parker, The Providence Journal Published 9:05 am UTC May. 13, 2021 Stefany Neves was 19 and couldn't sleep that Saturday night. She felt that something bad was about to happen. She kept rolling and rolling, turning about in her bed.