The man killed when a sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex has been named as Robert Guanco, 41, with his church confirming he served as a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne. The Robert Guanco pastor death occurred on Friday at Wiston Park, near Steyning, an event that had billed itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival.
Six other people were injured in the incident. BBC News reported that South East Coast Ambulance Service said two of the six injured suffered serious injuries, with four of the six taken to local hospitals for further treatment.
Church pays tribute to Robert Guanco
In a statement, Jesus the Living Water Church said: ‘Pastor Robert was a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay, a devoted and caring father to Ellie, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched. His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten.’
On a fundraising page for Guanco’s family, pastor Norman Ponce from Jesus the Living Water Worldwide Church described him as a ‘faithful servant of God’ and a ‘beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband’ and ‘great father’.
‘What was meant to be a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration became an unimaginable tragedy,’ Ponce said. ‘He was also a good friend, mentor, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched. His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion, and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers, and encouragement, he touched many lives.’
Ponce said the family was facing an ‘unimaginable loss’, adding: ‘Though Pastor Robert’s earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of faith, love, service, and the lives he touched will never be forgotten. The seeds he planted through his ministry and his love for others will continue to live on through those he served and the family he left behind.’
The church has invited people to the Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne on Sunday to commemorate Guanco’s life and celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
Tributes from MP and Archbishop of Canterbury
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde said he had met members of Guanco’s congregation earlier in the summer. ‘Their energy and spirit was inspiring,’ he said. ‘This, in so many ways, is a testament to his pastorship and his commitment to his church. I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for his family, Pastor Robert was a father and husband too, and I send them and his church my most sincere condolences.’
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was ‘sad and shocked’ to hear of the fatal incident. ‘I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve. I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them. And I pray too for the other festival goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events,’ she said.
Witnesses said people rushed to lift the heavy sign, which read ‘Everything’s Unmissable’, after it fell in the wind. The Big Church Festival, which was founded in 2009, began on Friday and had been due to run until Sunday. Organisers cancelled the remainder of the event following the incident and said they were working with emergency services to establish the circumstances.
Sussex Police is urging anyone with information to contact the force. The Health and Safety Executive and the local authority have also been informed about the incident, police said.
