An inquest into the death of a 41-year-old pastor has heard how a large wooden arch fell over a temporary road and landed on several members of the public at a Christian festival in West Sussex.
Robert Guanco, of Eastbourne, died after the incident at the Big Church Festival (BCF) off Washington Road near Steyning on August 28. Six other people were also injured, including four who were taken to hospital.
Inquest opened in Brighton
An inquest was opened in Brighton on Wednesday (14 October) and adjourned until a pre-inquest review on March 9, 2027.
A statement from coroner's officer Alex Jones was read, in which he said Mr Guanco was born in the Philippines, was employed as a health care assistant and was married. He said Mr Guanco died while in attendance at the Big Church Festival (BCF).
"A large wooden arch has fallen over a temporary road, landing on several members of the public," Mr Jones said. After a post-mortem examination, a provisional cause of death was given as "1a multiple severe injuries and 1b blunt force trauma", the inquest was told.
Tributes and fundraising
Area coroner Joseph Turner opened the inquest and said a provisional pre-inquest review hearing would take place next Spring in Horsham. He said: "I offer sincere condolences to the family of Mr Guanco."
Mr Guanco was previously named in a tribute from the Jesus Living Water Church Eastbourne as wellwishers set up a GoFundMe page to help his family. More than £243,000 has been pledged on the page, towards a target of £250,000. He was described as "our beloved pastor Robert" in a tribute from his church.
It said: "Pastor Robert was a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, a devoted and caring father to Ellie, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched. His life, his faith, his love and his service to God will never be forgotten."
It is hoped the GoFundMe page will help his family as they deal with their "unimaginable loss" and "the practical and financial challenges that come with such an unexpected tragedy", the organisers said.
Festival cancelled after incident
Describing him as "more than a pastor", the page states: "He was a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband, a great father to Ellie and faithful servant of God. He was also a good friend, mentor and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched."
It continues: "His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers and encouragement, he touched many lives. His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."
Organisers of the BCF, billed as the UK's biggest Christian festival, said they were "heartbroken" and "devastated by the serious incident" as it cancelled the rest of the event. It had opened on August 28 and had been due to run until August 30.
BCF, which includes worship, music and performances, first took place in 2009. Festivalgoers were alerted to the tragedy when the God TV Christian faith channel announced that "due to unforeseen circumstances" the BCF livestream had been paused.
The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authority, Sussex Police have said. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh urged anyone who was among the "thousands of people" who were on site on August 28 that has any information or video footage to come forward.
