A 41-year-old man, identified as Robert Guanco, died on Friday after a large wooden sign collapsed at the Big Church Festival (BCF) near Steyning, West Sussex. Guanco, who served as a pastor at a church in Eastbourne, was struck when the sign, which bore the festival's slogan “Everything’s Unmissable,” was blown over by high winds.

In addition to the fatality, six other individuals sustained injuries during the incident. Four of those injured were transported to a hospital for medical treatment. Witnesses at the scene reported that attendees immediately attempted to assist by lifting the heavy structure off those trapped beneath it.

Following the tragedy, Guanco’s church released a statement on Sunday honoring his memory. The tribute described him as a respected leader, a loving husband, and a devoted father. The festival organizers have not yet released a detailed statement regarding the structural safety protocols or the specific circumstances that led to the sign’s collapse during the weather event. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine how the structure failed.