Ecuadorian Priest Dies After Heavy Church Crucifix Collapses During Livestreamed Mass
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a Catholic priest in Ecuador, has died after a mounted wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed service. The fatal accident occurred at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil, where congregants rushed to help before he succumbed to his injuries. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death as authorities and church leaders examine what led to the collapse.
A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died following a tragic incident in which a heavy church crucifix dislodged and fell on him during a service that was being broadcast live to parishioners. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was leading mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the sudden collapse took place, according to reporting by Hollywood Unlocked.
The service was taking place on Saturday, October 17, and had been streaming for approximately 27 minutes when the incident occurred. In video viewed by remote attendees, a large wooden crucifix suspended high behind the altar suddenly detached from its position on the wall and came crashing down, striking the priest as he conducted the liturgy.
Worshippers seated in the sanctuary reacted immediately with visible shock, shouting in Spanish and rushing forward to reach the altar. Church members converged around Father Sánchez Molinari in an urgent effort to offer emergency aid and lift the heavy structure. Despite the immediate assistance provided by those present inside the building, the priest later died from the severe injuries he sustained in the accident.
The following day, Sunday, October 18, the Archdiocese of Guayaquil issued an official statement on Instagram confirming Father Sánchez Molinari’s passing. In its public message, the regional archdiocese mourned the unexpected loss of the cleric, sending prayers and condolences to his family members, colleagues, and the wider parish community affected by the tragedy.
In addition to his pastoral leadership at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Father Sánchez Molinari was a documented member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a recognized Catholic religious order. Both local civil authorities and officials within the Catholic Church have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collapse, seeking to determine how the fixture detached from its mounting on the wall.
Kulture Newz has not independently confirmed additional details regarding the construction of the crucifix fixture or the full findings of the ongoing local investigation.