Man died after wooden arch fell at Christian festival in West Sussex
Inquest hears tragic incident claimed life of pastor Robert Guanco
A man died after a large wooden arch toppled onto a temporary road at a Christian festival in West Sussex, an inquest has been told.
Robert Guanco, a 41-year-old healthcare assistant from Eastbourne, lost his life at the Big Church Festival on 28th August near Steyning, West Sussex.
The tragic incident also left six others injured, four of whom required hospital treatment.
The inquest, opened in Brighton, has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review scheduled for 9th March 2027 in Horsham.
Tributes have been paid to Mr. Guanco, described as "our beloved pastor Robert" by the Jesus Living Water Church Eastbourne, where a GoFundMe page has raised over £243,000 to support his family.
The Big Church Festival organizers expressed their heartbreak and devastation, leading them to cancel the remaining event days.
Sussex Police and other authorities continue their investigation, urging festival attendees with information or footage to come forward.
A fundraiser set up to support Mr Guanco's family has nearly reached its £250,000 goal.
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