Event Brief
UPDATED Oct 18, 2026 at 10:06 PM ET
Oct 18, 2026 at 3:10 PM ET
Falling crucifix kills priest during Mass in Ecuador
By The BriefBrief
Father Patricio Sánchez died after a heavy wooden crucifix detached from a wall above the altar and struck him during a livestreamed Mass on Saturday night in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil identified him as a priest of Perpetuo Socorro Church. Worshippers ran to help as the broadcast continued.
WHO: Father Patricio Sánchez, identified by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil
WHAT: Sánchez was fatally struck by a falling crucifix during a livestreamed Mass.
WHEN: Oct 17, 2026
WHERE: Guayaquil, Ecuador
WHY: The crucifix detached from the wall above the altar and fell onto Sánchez; the reason it detached was not reported.
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