A church in East Sussex has paid tribute to a 41-year-old pastor who died after a large sign fell at a Christian festival in West Sussex on Friday.
The victim has been identified as Pastor Robert Guanco, a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne.
Guanco was killed when a large sign fell during the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning. Six other people were injured in the incident, with four taken to hospital for treatment.
In a statement, his church described Guanco as a devoted Christian, husband and father.
“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,” the church said.
“His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten.”
Pastor Norman Ponce of Jesus the Living Water Worldwide Church also described Guanco as a “faithful servant of God” in a fundraising appeal established to support his family.
“What was meant to be a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration became an unimaginable tragedy,” Ponce said.
He remembered Guanco as a “beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband” and “great father”, as well as a friend, mentor and source of encouragement to many.
According to Ponce, Guanco’s life was marked by humility, faith, compassion and service.
“Through his ministry, kindness, prayers, and encouragement, he touched many lives,” he said.
Ponce added that Guanco’s family was now facing an “unimaginable loss”.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Guanco’s church has invited members of the community to gather at the Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne on Sunday to remember the pastor and celebrate his daughter’s birthday.
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde also expressed his condolences, recalling a previous meeting with members of Guanco’s congregation.
“Their energy and spirit was inspiring,” he said, adding that it was “in so many ways, 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 Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the UK’s biggest Christian festival, was founded in 2009. This year’s event at Wiston Park began on Friday and was scheduled to run until Sunday.
However, organisers cancelled the remainder of the festival following the fatal incident.
In a statement, organisers said they were “heartbroken” by Guanco’s death.
“Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. At the moment, that community is grieving,” they said.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, said she was “sad and shocked” to learn of the 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,” she said.
“And I pray too for the other festival goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events.”
Witnesses reported that people rushed to lift the heavy sign after it was blown over by strong winds. The sign reportedly carried the words “Everything’s Unmissable.”
Festival organisers said they were cooperating with emergency services as investigations continued into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Sussex Police has appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward.
The force said the Health and Safety Executive and the local authority had also been informed.