Church leads tributes for man killed at festival

The man killed at a Christian festival in West Sussex on Friday has been named by his church as Robert Guanco, 41.

He was a pastor at Jesus the Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex.

Six other people were injured at the event by a falling sign at the Big Church Festival, near Steyning, four of whom were taken to hospital for treatment.

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."

On a fundraising page for Guanco's family, pastor Norman Ponce from Jesus the Living Water Worldwide Church, said he was a "faithful servant of God".

"What was meant to be a time of worship, fellowship, and celebration became an unimaginable tragedy," he added.

Ponce said Guanco was a "beloved son, cherished brother, loving husband" and "great father".

"He was also a good friend, mentor, and a blessing to so many people whose lives he touched," Ponce said.

"His life reflected humility, faith, love, compassion, and service. Through his ministry, kindness, prayers, and encouragement, he touched many lives."

He said Guanco's family was facing an "unimaginable loss".

"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," Ponce said.

"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."

Guanco's church has invited people to come to the Sovereign Harbour Community Centre in Eastbourne on Sunday to commemorate the pastor's life and to celebrate his daughter's birthday.

Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde said earlier in the summer he met with members of the congregation of Guanco's church.

"Their energy and spirit was inspiring," he said.

"This, in so many ways, is a testament to his pastorship and his commitment to his church.

"I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for his family - Pastor Robert was a father and husband too - and I send them and his church my most sincere condolences."

The Big Church Festival, which describes itself as the UK's biggest Christian festival, was founded in 2009.

The event 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.

The organisers said they were "heartbroken" by Guanco's death, adding: "Big Church Festival is about bringing people together.

"At the moment, that community is grieving."

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."

Witnesses said people rushed to lift the heavy sign, which read "Everything's Unmissable", after it had fallen over in the wind.

Festival organisers said they were working with emergency services as they established the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sussex Police is urging anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

The force said the Health and Safety Executive and local authority had also been informed about the incident.

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