WE CAN’T BELIEVE HE’S G0NE: PASTOR, 41, DI-ES IN HORRIFIC FESTIVAL ACCIDENT AFTER FALLING SIGN STRIKES HIM — TRIBUTES FL00D IN FOR THE BELOVED FAITH LEADER AS A DAY THAT BEGAN WITH WORSHIP ENDS WITH ONE FAMILY FACING A DEVASTATING GOODBYE
A DAD killed by a falling sign at a Christian festival has been named and pictured for the first time.
Pastor Robert Guanco, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was tragically killed when a huge wooden archway gave way on Friday.
Pastor Robert Guanco, 41, was named as the man who diedCredit: GoFundMe
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the much-loved dadCredit: GoFundMe
Another six people were injured with four rushed to hospital for treatment.
Robert was Pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne.
Heartfelt tributes have since been paid to the much-loved dad and pastor with a gofundme set up in his memory.
The tribute read: “Pastor Robert was more than a pastor. He was a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband to Isaeli, a great father to Ellie, and faithful servant of God.
A gofundme has been started for the PastorCredit: Gofundme
An estimated 30 to 50 people scrambled to lift the heavy wooden sign off the injured festival-goers
“He was also a good friend, mentor, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched.
“His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion, and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers, and encouragement, he touched many lives.
“His passing is deeply felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
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.
“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.”
Cops are examining whether or not the structure was properly secured before it collapsed, with witnesses claiming it was blown over by strong winds.
The three-day event, founded in 2009, is the UK’s biggest Christian music festival with all 40,000 tickets sold.
The festival, at Wiston Park, began on Friday and was due to continue until Sunday, but a decision was made by organisers to cancel the remainder of the event after the incident.
Robert was killed when a huge wooden archway collapsed, with six more people injuredCredit:
The three-day Christian festival was cancelled following the tragic incidentCredit: Eddie Mitchell
In a statement, his church said: “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.
“His life, his faith, his love, and his service to God will never be forgotten.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury said she was “sad and shocked” to hear about the fatal incident.
Dame Sarah Mullally said: “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.
“And I pray too for the other festival goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events.”
Det Chief Supt Richard McDonagh, of Sussex Police, previously said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened.
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“We’re urging anyone with information to come forward.”
You can donate to Robert’s gofundme here.
