Ecuadorian priest dies after giant wooden crucifix crashes down on him during live-streamed Mass

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a Mass in Guayaquil, with the fatal accident captured on the church’s livestream.

A Catholic priest in Ecuador has died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him while he was celebrating Mass in the coastal city of Guayaquil, in an accident captured on the church’s livestream.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a member of the Redemptorist congregation, was leading the service at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on Saturday, October 17, 2026, when the crucifix fell from behind the altar and struck him.

The incident occurred around the 27th minute of the service, when the structure behind the altar suddenly began to tilt before collapsing towards the priest, who was standing in front of it.

Footage of the incident shows the crucifix coming loose from its mountings and crashing towards the altar. People inside the church immediately rushed to help the priest.

The accident shocked worshippers and quickly drew widespread attention after the livestream footage circulated on social media, attracting coverage from Ecuadorian and international media outlets.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed the priest’s death on Sunday, October 18, identifying him as the parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the city’s Central Vicariate.

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In a statement, the Archdiocese expressed its condolences and announced that the priest had departed to be with God.

“We announce that our beloved Fr. Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari, CSsR., who served as parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in the Central Vicariate, has departed for the Father's House to rejoice in His presence and glory,” the statement read.

The Church also offered prayers for the deceased priest, asking for his eternal rest and for perpetual light to shine upon him.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, and authorities have not established why the crucifix fell. There is no verified evidence that improper installation, poor maintenance or a structural defect contributed to the incident.

The tragedy has drawn particular attention because it unfolded during a religious service and was captured live as the Mass was streamed online.

While church authorities have confirmed Father Sánchez’s death, further details about the circumstances of the accident remain unknown.