The man who tragically lost his life at the Big Church Festival has been identified as Pastor Robert Guanco, a beloved church leader, husband and father from Eastbourne, England.
Pastor Robert, 41, died after a large overhead sign fell onto festivalgoers at Wiston Park near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon, August 28. Emergency services were called at approximately 3:38 p.m., but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six other people were reportedly injured, with four taken to local hospitals for further treatment. Although earlier reports have said the four remain hospitalized, their current conditions have not been publicly confirmed.
Pastor Robert served at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. In a moving tribute, the congregation remembered him as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband to Isay and a devoted father to their daughter, Ellie.
"His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten," the church declared. Its members said they were mourning and struggling to understand the tragedy while continuing to place their trust in God's sovereignty.
The church also expressed its confidence that Pastor Robert is now with the Lord, free from suffering and resting in eternal glory. Those who knew him described a humble and compassionate leader whose ministry, prayers and personal encouragement touched numerous lives.
A fundraising campaign established to support Pastor Robert's wife, daughter and extended family has reportedly received more than £50,000 in donations, surpassing its original target. The money will help the family confront the unexpected practical and financial pressures accompanying their devastating loss.
Big Church Festival organizers canceled the remainder of the event following the fatal incident. In an updated statement, they said the festival community was heartbroken and that its immediate focus remained on Pastor Robert's family, the injured attendees and everyone who witnessed the collapse.
Sussex Police, the Health and Safety Executive and the relevant local authority are now working to establish exactly how the structure fell. Witnesses reported that festivalgoers rushed forward and attempted to lift the heavy sign from those trapped beneath it, but investigators have not yet announced an official cause.
Police are asking anyone with relevant information or video footage to contact them by calling 101 and quoting Operation Igloo.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has offered prayers for Pastor Robert's family, those receiving medical treatment, the healthcare professionals caring for them and the festival community. Gospel singer CeCe Winans, one of the event's scheduled headliners, has also called for prayer for the victims, their loved ones, festival workers and emergency responders.
As the investigation continues, the Christian community is being asked to surround Isay, Ellie and all of Pastor Robert's loved ones with prayer. Please also remember those injured in the incident and the thousands of festivalgoers, volunteers and staff now processing what they witnessed.
