Beloved Performer Red Panda ‘Severely Fractured’ Her Wrist at WNBA Game Due to Damage to Her Unicycle

NEED TO KNOW

• Red Panda suffered a “severely fractured” wrist after her scary fall during the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game on July 1

• In a statement, her team said the left paddle of her unicycle “was damaged during transit” before her fall

• The performer was recommended to seek out an orthopedic surgeon when she returns home

Beloved halftime performer Red Panda severely fractured her wrist after falling during a performance on July 1, her team confirmed.

Red Panda, whose real name is Rong Niu, spent 11 hours in the hospital after taking a spill during halftime of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup game, her team told Pat McAfee in a statement on July 2.

Niu, who has been performing at NBA games since 1993, expressed her gratitude to her supporters in the statement.

According to the performer’s team, the left paddle of her unicycle “was damaged during transit,” which led to her fall. “Her left wrist was severely fractured at the same spot for the 2nd time,” the statement said.

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Niu was discharged from the hospital and was told by doctors in Minneapolis that she should seek out an orthopedic surgeon for the next step of her recovery when she gets home.

“Red Panda wants me to thank all of you for the kind wishes and support, it means the world to her. She much appreciates from her heart the support she is receiving. We’ll keep you all posted,” the statement concluded.

According to USA Today, Niu broke the same wrist in 2013.

Fans were distraught over the news that Niu had taken a fall — including WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who shouted, “Red Panda, we love you!” after the Fever won the game.

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