A disturbing scene unfolded after a priest was fatally hit by a giant crucifix.
A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a heavy wooden crucifix fell on him during a church service that was being livestreamed on social media.
The tragic accident occurred on Saturday, October 17, 2026, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and the footage subsequently spread widely online, attracting international attention.
The priest was identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, who served at Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro Church, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Guayaquil.
He was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order commonly known as the Redemptorists, which carries out missionary and pastoral work.
Father Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at the altar when a large wooden crucifix mounted on the wall behind him suddenly detached and fell forward, striking him on the head while he faced the congregation.
He apparently did not see it coming.
The impact knocked the priest down, and he did not get back up.
Congregants screamed in shock, with some rushing towards him to offer assistance. One person could be heard urgently calling for an ambulance as the livestream continued during the confusion.
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil subsequently confirmed the priest’s death and issued a message mourning him and expressing solidarity with his family, friends and fellow members of the Redemptorist community.
A memorial Eucharistic service was also scheduled in his honour.
Why did the crucifix fall?
The exact cause remains unknown. As of October 19, 2026, reports had not established whether the crucifix fell because of faulty mounting, structural deterioration or another problem.
Local authorities had not publicly provided an explanation. There is no verified evidence that the incident was deliberate.
