Funeral Confirmed for Eastbourne Pastor Robert Guanco Killed in Big Church Festival Sign Collapse
STEYNING, West Sussex — The Christian community in Eastbourne and across the United Kingdom is mourning the death of 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco, who was killed when a large sign collapsed during the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon, August 28, 2026.
Published by Global Report Center
STEYNING, West Sussex — The Christian community in Eastbourne and across the United Kingdom is mourning the death of 41-year-old Pastor Robert Guanco, who was killed when a large sign collapsed during the Big Church Festival at Wiston Park near Steyning, West Sussex, on Friday afternoon, August 28, 2026.
Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, and South East Coast Ambulance Service units responded to the event site along Washington Road at approximately 3:38 p.m. following emergency 911 calls reporting multiple traumatic injuries. Emergency medical technicians attempted resuscitation, but Guanco was pronounced dead at the scene from severe impact injuries. First responders treated six additional attendees at the scene, with four subsequently transported to local trauma centers for hospital care. Event organizers brought the three-day festival—the UK's largest Christian music gathering—to an early close following the fatal accident.
Official Status and Safety Investigation
Sussex Police and safety inspectors with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have launched a joint investigation into structural failure, temporary signage installation, and crowd safety management at the venue.
Local authorities and Sussex Police have appealed to festival attendees for witness statements, smartphone video footage, and photographs taken near the main entrance structure prior to and during the collapse. Festival leadership confirmed full cooperation with law enforcement agencies as technical inquiries continue.
Community Tributes and Funeral Arrangements
Pastor Guanco served as a dedicated pastor and elder at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne, where he was remembered by church leadership, friends, and congregants as a loving husband, devoted father, and faithful minister.
He is survived by his wife, Isaeli (Isay), and their young daughter, Ellie. A community memorial fundraising effort established to assist the family with immediate financial expenses has raised over £237,000 from supporters across the United Kingdom and international faith networks.
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