A father and pastor was killed when a large wooden archway collapsed during high winds at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday. Robert Guanco, 41, died when the structure gave way at the event held on the Wiston Estate near Steyning.
Six other people were injured in the incident, with four requiring hospital treatment. Guanco, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, served as Pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church. The church described him in a statement as "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."
Police are investigating whether the archway was properly secured. Fred Abbott, who was at the festival with his family, described hearing a loud crack before a "strong gust of wind" toppled the sign. He was among dozens of people who rushed to help lift the fallen structure, which read "Everything's Unmissable."
"There were five people on the floor and not moving," Abbott said. "I had to walk away because there was a man on the floor and he was bleeding from his head and from his mouth."
The Met Office had issued warnings for windy conditions across the country over the Bank Holiday weekend. Wind speeds in Shoreham, West Sussex, reached up to 27 mph on Friday afternoon.
Big Church Festival organizers stated they were "devastated" by the death and canceled the remainder of the event, which had been scheduled to continue until Sunday. More than 60 artists and worship leaders were slated to perform.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh of Sussex Police called the incident "tragic" and extended condolences to Guanco's family and friends. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.