A Church Livestream Captured a Tragic Altar Accident

A Sunday Mass in Ecuador ended in tragedy when a wooden crucifix behind the altar fell during the service and struck the priest who was leading the congregation.

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when the accident happened. The service was being streamed live on social media, and the video captured the moment the large cross came loose from the wall roughly 27 minutes into the broadcast.

Sánchez Molinari was hit in the head and collapsed immediately. People inside the church rushed toward him as the livestream continued recording the aftermath. He later died from his injuries.

The Archdiocese Confirmed His Death

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed Sánchez Molinari’s death in an Instagram post published Sunday.

“We announce that our beloved Fr Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari has passed away,” the statement said, according to VT.

The archdiocese also shared a prayer for him: “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”

Sánchez Molinari served at Perpetuo Socorro Church in Guayaquil’s Central Vicariate. He was affiliated with the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Catholic religious order founded in 1732 that has a presence in 80 countries.

He was also known for sharing services online through platforms including Facebook and YouTube, which is why the fatal accident was captured and later circulated widely.