- Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a 53-year-old Catholic priest, was struck by a falling crucifix during Mass in Guayaquil, Ecuador
- The wooden crucifix detached from the wall behind the altar and hit the priest while the evening service was being livestreamed
- The tragedy happened just one day after the Archdiocese of Guayaquil congratulated him on his ordination anniversary
Source: Getty Images
A Catholic priest in Ecuador lost his life after a large wooden crucifix crashed down on him during a church service on Saturday, 17 October 2026. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was celebrating evening Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro) in Guayaquil when the tragedy unfolded.
What made the incident especially striking was that the service was being livestreamed on social media at the time.
Father Sánchez's final sermon
In the moments before the accident, Father Sánchez had been delivering a sermon about faith, family and the brevity of life. He urged his congregation to put down their mobile phones and invest more time in God and their loved ones.
About 27 minutes into the broadcast, the wall-mounted wooden crucifix behind the altar came loose without warning. It fell forward, striking Father Sánchez. A woman's voice could be heard on the livestream audio crying out, "Father, Father… call an ambulance!"
Emergency responders arrived at the scene but were unable to revive him. Father Sánchez died from his injuries later that day.
Archdiocese pays tribute
Father Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, known as the Redemptorists. Before his posting in Guayaquil, he had served the community of San Lorenzo in Vinces, where he was remembered warmly for his pastoral commitment.
The tragedy came just one day after the Archdiocese of Guayaquil had publicly marked the anniversary of his priestly ordination. In an official tribute, Cardinal Archbishop Luis Cabrera Herrera confirmed his passing, writing that Father Sánchez "has departed to the Father's House to enjoy His presence and His glory," and that the Archdiocese was praying for his eternal rest and standing in solidarity with the Redemptorist family, his relatives and friends.
Local authorities are expected to investigate what caused the structure to detach from the wall.
See the TMZ Instagram post that shared the story.
People react online
Thousands of people shared their thoughts in the comments section of @tmztv's Instagram post:
@dawnetteharrison said:
"Praying for his members and family, may his soul rest in peace 🙏😢"
@carlinef2 wrote:
"May you rest in peace in Christ, Father Alfredo. 🖤🙏🙏"
@shuu_apparell shared:
"The video is heartbreaking 😢"
@lisacollado added:
"As a society, we are really bad, because just saying bad comments about this priest who just passed away is awful. I'm horrified by how people behave behind a screen."
@nyctrish reflected:
"It's sad…I don't know him, but it's terrible. Maybe it was structurally unsound — it's not always fate or punishment."
@stabbs18 commented:
"He asked for a sign, not the entire crucifix. 😭"
@simonelg86 wrote:
"2026 is a fan of Final Destination, I see."
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Source: Briefly News
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