Pastor Died From "Multiple Severe Injuries" When Arch Fell at Festival, Inquest Told

A pastor died from "multiple severe injuries" when a large wooden arch fell on him at a Christian event in West Sussex, an inquest opening has heard. Robert Guanco, 41, a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex, was attending the Big Church Festival near Steyning on August 28 when the incident occurred.

An inquest opening at Woodvale Coroner's Court in Brighton on Wednesday was told that Guanco suffered multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma. Following a post-mortem examination, a provisional cause of death was given as "1a multiple severe injuries and 1b blunt force trauma," the inquest was informed.

Six other individuals were injured in the incident, with four requiring hospital treatment. Guanco's widow, Isaeli, expressed her hope that uncovering the truth about her husband's death would aid their grieving process and help prevent similar tragedies for other families.

"Suddenly losing Robert has been a huge challenge - I've gone from planning our daughter's birthday party a few weeks ago to organising his funeral," she said. "It brings a deep pain to my heart."

Area Coroner Joseph Turner offered his "sincere condolences" to the family and adjourned the inquest until a pre-inquest review scheduled for March 9. Horsham District Council is continuing its own health and safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arch collapse.