Police are continuing to investigate what happened when a crucifix fell on Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari and killed him during a congregation inside the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Now, a new eerie theory on why the cross fell has emerged.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari had been speaking about death just moments before the tragic accident. During the service, he told the congregation: “One day, all of us here will also die, and sometimes the time we’ve spent on things doesn’t have as much meaning as the time we spend with God.”
He continued: “The quality time we give to God, to our brothers and sisters, to our husbands, wives, children, and family – that time is the best spent.”
Then suddenly the cross on the wall behind him fell onto the priest, killing him in a horrifying accident. The tragedy has left many heartbroken.
Exactly what caused the cross to fall remains unclear. Last week, Ecuador’s National Police made a preliminary assessment classifying the death as an accident, attributing it to a severe blow to the head.
However, experts quoted by El Comercio said prosecutors should investigate whether the case could amount to culpable homicide, which involves a death caused by negligence.
Sánchez’s family has also spoken out, calling for answers about how the heavy crucifix could have fallen and whether anyone should be held responsible for his death.
Witness share harrowing theory about why crucifix fell from wall and killed priest
According to El Comercio, the priest’s relative, Patricio León, said: “It may be God’s will, but an investigation should be carried out.”
He also questioned how the large crucifix could have fallen onto Sánchez’s head in the middle of a religious service.
Now, as questions continue to surround the tragedy, new details about what may have caused the cross to fall have emerged: the sound.
The crucifix stood behind the altar, and its sudden fall has raised questions about how it was secured to the wall. Per El Universo, one witness claimed the structure was held in place by two bolts, and that one had come loose. Others suggested that vibrations from the church’s sound equipment could also have played a role.
Father Patricio regularly livestreamed his services, using loudspeakers and other audio equipment to make sure his words could be heard throughout the church and by people watching online.
The newspaper confirmed that the sound could be heard clearly in different parts of the building. However, there is currently no evidence that speaker vibrations caused the cross to fall.
For now, both the claim about the loose bolt and the possible role of the sound equipment remain theories shared by people connected to the parish. The exact cause has not been established.
The incident occurred during a livestreamed Mass
The Archdiocese of Guayaquil said churches carry out maintenance work in coordination with a technical department and in accordance with local regulations.
They added that they would share more information about the incident once they received the specialists’ report.
The fatal moment was captured during the livestreamed service. Sánchez was knocked down behind the altar and disappeared from view as the cross fell.
Horrified churchgoers could be heard screaming and rushing to help him, while those gathered inside struggled to understand what had just happened.
One woman who was present later described finding the priest lying on his side with a wound to his head. Speaking to El Universo, she said an ambulance arrived about 30 minutes later. By then, Sánchez had already died.
A Mass remembering the priest’s life was held on October 18. During the service, young people, adults, and elderly mourners came to pay their respects to Father Sánchez, gathering around his coffin in front of the altar where the tragic accident had taken place.
Hopefully, his family and the world will get answers as soon as possible.
Rest in peace, Father. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.
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