Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor from Eastbourne, East Sussex, died after being struck by a falling sign during the Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday. The incident occurred amid strong winds when a wooden archway bearing a sign toppled over, causing injuries to six other people, four of whom were taken to hospital.

Guanco was a pastor at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne, which described him as a “faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, a devoted and caring father to Ellie, and a blessing to many.” A fundraising campaign established to support his family had raised nearly £22,000 by the weekend.

Eyewitnesses at the festival reported hearing a crack followed by the sign falling suddenly. Fred Abbott, who was nearby with his family, said they rushed to help lift the heavy wooden structure, which had the phrase “Everything’s Unmissable” displayed. He recalled seeing several people lying on the ground, some not moving immediately after the collapse.

Organizers of the Big Church Festival, which is recognized as the UK’s largest Christian festival, expressed their devastation and heartbreak over the tragedy and subsequently canceled the remainder of the event. The festival’s organizers stated they were cooperating fully with authorities to determine the cause of the accident.

The incident has been reported to the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities, Sussex Police confirmed. Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh appealed for witnesses among the thousands who attended the event to come forward with any information or video footage that might help clarify what happened. He acknowledged the distress caused by the incident and emphasized ongoing collaboration with multiple agencies to understand the circumstances.

The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, Archbishop of Canterbury, described the news as “sad and shocking” and extended her prayers to Guanco’s family, friends, and loved ones during their time of grief.

In a broader reaction, Ünal Üstel, the Prime Minister of North Cyprus, commented that “even the slightest negligence will be revealed” and that those responsible would be held accountable, regardless of guilt, highlighting the importance of thorough investigation.

Authorities continue their inquiry into the structural integrity of the sign and the safety measures in place at the festival to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.