Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old pastor, has been named as the man who died when a large wooden sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival in Worthing on Friday. He served as pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex.
The incident occurred at Wiston Park near Steyning in West Sussex during the Christian music and worship event. Six additional people sustained injuries from the falling sign, with four requiring hospital treatment for their injuries.
His church released a statement honouring his life and legacy.
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.
The statement reflected the deep impact Guanco had made within his faith community and among those he ministered to throughout his pastoral work.
Emergency services responded to the scene at Wiston Park following the structural failure. Festival organisers subsequently cancelled the remainder of the day's programme and evacuated attendees from the venue. The incident prompted a full evacuation of both day visitors and those camping at the festival site.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the sign's collapse are ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the structural failure that resulted in the fatality and multiple injuries.
