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The memorial service for the Aargau native took place in Märstetten. Relatives, friends and fans said goodbye.
Far away from dizzying heights, the memorial service of the world-famous high-wire artist Freddy Nock took place in Märstetten, Thurgau. The circus pastor Adrian Bolzern leads the final ceremony. He began with the words: “I actually never wanted to have to say that sentence. But today is the day. We meet to say goodbye to Freddy Nock. We meet to say goodbye one last time.”
Family, friends, companions and fans traveled to say goodbye together. Around 500 people gathered in the circus tent where the memorial service took place. The mood was set with the song “I will miss you” by rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley. Memories of Freddy Nock could be seen everywhere: his first balancing stick, his leather jackets, photos.
Legend:
Tightrope artist Freddy Nock: He was always looking for new challenges for body and mind.
Keystone / Laurent Gillieron
On February 7th, Freddy Nock was found dead in his home in Uerkheim AG. The cause of death is unknown. According to the Aargau cantonal police, there was “no evidence of a crime”. His family remains silent, but wrote on Facebook on February 10: «We would like to thank everyone who supported him and was there for him. We know there are questions about the cause of his death, which is understandable for us too. Unfortunately, his broken heart couldn’t take it anymore in this world.”
Emotional speech from his daughter
His daughter Kimberly gave a touching speech at the memorial service. «You are now in a place where you have peace and can be happy again. I hope you see how proud we are of you and your life’s work.” She also thanks her father for giving her four siblings with whom she could get through this difficult time.
The musician Pepe Lienhard was also among the mourners. He was a friend of Freddy Nock and said: “In private, he was a very quiet, loving person. It’s all the more sad that he’s no longer there.”
30 world records
The extreme athlete has broken over 30 world records in his career. He started high wire walking at the age of eleven. The many trips as a circus performer shaped the first half of his life. He secured his first entry in the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 by running on the suspension cable of the St. Moritz Signalbahn over a distance of 734 meters.
Adrian Bolzern found the right words in his speech: “Freddy has now climbed his high wire to God.”