Priest In Ecuador Dies After Massive Crucifix Falls On Him During Livestreamed Mass

A Catholic priest celebrating an evening Mass in south-western Ecuador tragically died over the weekend after a massive wooden crucifix detached from the church wall and crushed him. The fatal accident, which occurred during a livestreamed religious service in the coastal city of Guayaquil, was captured on video and witnessed in real-time by both the congregation and an online audience.

Emergency medical personnel rushed to the sanctuary but were unable to revive the clergyman, prompting an outpouring of grief from the local archdiocese as profound questions linger regarding the structural integrity of the heavy religious display.

How Did The Fatal Incident Unfold?

The horrifying tragedy occurred on the evening of October 17 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, located approximately two hundred and sixty-five kilometres south-west of the capital city of Quito. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was addressing his congregation from the altar when the heavy wooden crucifix, which was mounted directly behind him, suddenly broke loose from its wall fixtures.