A Catholic priest has died after a large wooden crucifix fell from a church wall and struck him during a Mass being broadcast live on social media in Ecuador.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was leading the Saturday evening service at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the heavy structure detached from the wall above the altar.
Footage from the livestream showed the crucifix falling forward and striking Sánchez on the head. He appeared not to notice it coming.
Catholic priest Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when a crucifix fell on him during a service in Ecuador. Congregants tried to help, but he died from his injuries. https://t.co/u2b4DaZPok
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 18, 2026
Shocked worshippers could be heard screaming and calling for an ambulance as several people rushed forward to help him.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil later confirmed the priest’s death.
Church pays tribute to Father Sánchez
In a statement, the archdiocese said Sánchez had “departed for the Father’s House to rejoice in His presence and glory”.
It offered prayers and expressed its sympathy to his family, friends and fellow members of the Redemptorist community.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace,” the statement said.
Sánchez was the parish priest at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, also known as the Redemptorists.
The Roman Catholic religious order was founded in 1732 and is involved in missionary work and supporting disadvantaged communities around the world.
Cause of crucifix collapse remains unknown
The accident reportedly occurred approximately 27 minutes into the Mass on October 17.
It remains unclear why the large wooden crucifix became detached from the wall. Church officials have not said whether structural damage, failed fittings or another problem caused it to collapse.
Local authorities have also not publicly commented on the incident or confirmed whether a formal investigation will be conducted.
The Mass was being streamed through the parish’s social media channels, meaning the fatal accident was witnessed both by worshippers inside the church and people watching online.
Video of the incident has subsequently circulated widely on social media. The footage is distressing and shows the moment Sánchez was struck.
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