Guayaquil, Ecuador | October 17, 2026

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari died after being hit by a wooden cross that fell on him during a mass at the Nossa Senhora do Perpétuo Socorro church, in Guayaquil, in Ecuador. The accident occurred on Saturday (17th) and was recorded by cameras transmitting the celebration live on social networks.

The priest was leading the mass when the structure, positioned behind the altar, broke loose and fell onto the area where it was located. Ao perceberem ocorrido, you believe that participating in the celebration is approaching to provide help and request medical attention.

The father's death was confirmed by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, which published a message of regret and solidarity with family, friends and members of the religious community.

Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was parish priest of the church and family part of the Congregação do Santíssimo Redentor, recognized as Redemptorists. The congregation also mourns the death of the religious.

The images of the accident begin to circulate on social networks. At this time, no official explanation was disclosed regarding what caused the detachment of the cross or the conditions of fixation of the structure, video from Atrocidades18