A World of WearableArt crew member who died following a medical event at Wellington's TSB Arena last Friday has been remembered as a "pillar of the entertainment community".
Emergency services were called around 10.15am on Friday following reports of a person "experiencing an apparent medical event in that vicinity", police said at the time.
"Medical assistance was rendered but sadly the person has died."
Two shows were cancelled following the crew member's death.
YOOCrew today announced on social media that the crew member who died was their "partner, friend, colleague, and rock" Nicholas 'Nic' Balkum.
The performing arts group said Balkum had come to New Zealand from the US in 2014, where he "firmly cemented himself as a highly skilled rigger and technician, a pillar of the entertainment community".
"He was involved in many areas of the industry, from theatre, events, and entertainment, to film, circus, and aerial performance. His calm, amicable, and approachable demeanor meant he made a lot of friends everywhere he went.
"We thank WOW for their incredible support and care of our family and team during this time, and wish to acknowledge the hard and supportive decisions made by them in relation to the ongoing shows following his passing."
YooCrew thanked emergency services and the team at Wellington Venues for their "prompt attendance and care for Nic and those onsite".
"We would also like to thank everyone who has reached out to us from around the world in the last few days with love and support.
"Our hearts go out to his fiancée, Laura, his family, and the greater YOOCrew and industry family. Nic was more than a friend, he was our brother and our loss is immeasurable."
Information around a celebration of Balkum's life would be made available in due course.
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