Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, has been named as the man who died after a wooden sign fell onto people at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday afternoon. Six other people were injured in the incident.
The huge sign reading 'Everything's Unmissable' toppled at the Christian gathering. Four of the injured were taken to hospital, though no further information is available on their condition at this stage.
Church tribute and witness account
The Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, where Mr Guanco served, described him as a “faithful servant of God”.
Andy Ollerton, a theologian and author, was walking “just a few paces” behind when the sign came crashing down. He and his wife joined around 50 other people to lift the sign off those trapped underneath.
Mr Ollerton explained on Instagram: “We rushed with others to lift the sign off them and then administered first aid with others as best we could until the paramedics arrived but tragically, one of those people, we’ve now heard, lost his life.”
Festival cancelled and response
The organisers cancelled the festival, which had been scheduled to run until Sunday, following the tragedy. Mr Ollerton said the crowds remained calm and respectful while BCF took “decisive action in difficult circumstances”. Festivalgoers were first alerted to the incident when God TV announced that its livestream had been paused due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
South East Coast Ambulance Service were called out just after 3.30pm and treated six people at the scene. A spokesman said: “Four of those patients were taken to a local hospital for further treatment, including two patients with more serious injuries and two patients with less serious injuries. Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly lost his life, and with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was “sad and shocked” and offered prayers for Mr Guanco’s family, those injured and others affected.
