Arabic version: تحديد هوية القس روبرت غوانكو بعد وفاة في مهرجان

According to BBC News, Robert Guanco, 41, has been named by his church as the man killed when a sign fell at the Big Church Festival in West Sussex on Friday. Guanco was a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex. Six other people were injured, with four taken to hospital for treatment.

In a statement, the church described Pastor Robert 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.” It said his life, faith, love and service to God would not be forgotten.

Pastor Norman Ponce of Jesus the Living Water Worldwide Church said on a fundraising page for Guanco’s family that what was intended as a time of worship, fellowship and celebration had become “an unimaginable tragedy”. He described Guanco as a beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband, great father, friend and mentor whose life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion and service.

The festival at Wiston Park, near Steyning, began on Friday and had been due to run until Sunday. Organisers cancelled the rest of the event after the incident, saying they were heartbroken and that the festival community was grieving. Witnesses said people rushed to lift the heavy sign, reading “Everything’s Unmissable”, after it fell in the wind.

Guanco’s church has invited people to Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne on Sunday to commemorate his life and celebrate his daughter’s birthday. Sussex Police is appealing for information and said the Health and Safety Executive and local authority had been informed as circumstances are established.