Pastor died from injuries when arch fell at festival – inquest

A pastor died from “multiple severe injuries” when a large wooden arch fell on him at a Christian event in West Sussex, an inquest opening heard.

Robert Guanco, 41, was a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and attended the Big Church Festival, near Steyning, on 28 August.

An inquest opening at Woodvale Coroner’s Court in Brighton on Wednesday heard that Guanco suffered multiple severe injuries and blunt force trauma.

Speaking afterwards, his widow Isaeli said she hoped learning the truth about what happened to her husband would “help us grieve” and “prevent other families going through the same thing”.

Six others were injured, four of whom were taken to hospital for treatment.

After a post-mortem examination, a provisional cause of Guanco’s death was given as “1a multiple severe injuries and 1b blunt force trauma”, the inquest was told.

Area Coroner Joseph Turner offered his “sincere condolences” to the family and adjourned the inquest until a pre-inquest review on 9 March.

Guanco’s widow added: “Suddenly losing Robert has been a huge challenge – I’ve gone from planning our daughter’s birthday party a few weeks ago to organising his funeral.

“It brings a deep pain to my heart.”