Champaign Native Injured In Circus Accident

A University of Illinois professor says his daughter is doing "reasonably well'' after she was injured in a Rhode Island circus accident.

Wayne Pitard tells The News-Gazette that daughter Samantha Pitard is "up and walking around'' after the Sunday accident.

Eight acrobats with Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey circus were injured when an accident during a hair-hanging stunt sent them plummeting to the ground during a performance.
 
Samantha Pitard is a graduate of Centennial High School in Champaign.

Her father says she's been "overwhelmed by the support'' she's received since the accident.
 
Samantha Pitard has worked with the circus for about a year and a half. She started as a clown.