Falling Crucifix Kills Priest During Live-Streamed Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador
A wooden crucifix detached from the wall above the altar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and struck Father Patricio Sanchez on the head as he celebrated mass on Saturday. The impact crushed him against the pulpit. Worshippers shouted "Father, Father! Call an ambulance!" moments before the live-streamed broadcast cut out. Footage of the service shows the heavy crucifix coming loose and hitting Sanchez, who did not appear to see it falling. The graphic video circulated widely on social media on Sunday and was carried by multiple news outlets. Sanchez died from the incident.
Key facts
- Father Patricio Sanchez died after a wooden crucifix fell on him during mass
- The mass took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- The crucifix detached from the wall above the altar and struck Sanchez on the head
- The impact crushed him against the pulpit
- Attendees shouted "Father, Father! Call an ambulance!" before the broadcast cut out
- The service was being live-streamed at the time of the incident
- Sanchez did not appear to see the crucifix falling
- The graphic footage went viral on social media on Sunday and was widely carried by news outlets
Entities
Artists
- Patricio Sanchez
Institutions
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help church
Locations
- Guayaquil
- Ecuador