Family of priest by falling crucifix breaks silence with claim about the cross

Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari was killed when a large crucifix fell from the wall behind him during a congregation that was live-streamed. Now, his family has broken their silence with a claim about the cross.

The tragic incident happened during a Saturday evening service on October 17. Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, 53, was addressing his congregation from the altar when a large crucifix suddenly fell from the wall, striking the back of his head.

Sánchez was speaking about death just moments before the fatal accident, saying, “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.”

The horrifying moments were captured on a livestream, which has since been taken down. The footage showed the chaos inside the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, Ecuador, as worshippers cried out in panic.

The priest was knocked down behind the altar and disappeared from view. Horrified churchgoers could be heard screaming and rushing to help the priest as the congregation struggled to comprehend what had just happened.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their efforts, first responders were unable to revive Sánchez. It remains unclear whether the priest died instantly or later.

A preliminary assessment by Ecuador’s National Police classified the death as an accident, attributing it to a severe blow to the head. However, experts quoted by El Comercio said prosecutors should examine whether the case could amount to culpable homicide, which involves a death caused by negligence.

Now, the Sánchez family has broken their silence and wants answers. Speaking to El Comercio, they have now called for an investigation into how the cross could’ve fallen in the first place, and if anyone could be held responsible for their family member’s death.

Per El Comercio, Patricio León, a relative of the priest, said, “It may be God’s will, but an investigation should be carried out.”

He further questioned how the heavy crucifix could have fallen on Sánchez’s head in the middle of a religious service.

Rest in peace, Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

For the family, the preliminary description of an accident leaves an essential question unanswered: how did the crucifix come loose while the priest was standing beneath it? Their request concerns the circumstances surrounding the fall, rather than a dispute over the devastating injury itself. The livestream captured the sudden emergency, but the account does not establish what caused the cross to detach from the wall.

The distinction between what witnesses saw and what an investigation might establish remains central. People in the church could describe the impact, the panic, and the effort to help. Determining whether any preventable failure contributed to the death requires a separate examination. The relatives have asked for that examination; no final finding of negligence is described.

His words about time spent with loved ones give the loss an especially painful resonance. The congregation heard him speak about family and faith immediately before the service became an emergency. Those left behind now face grief alongside their desire for a clear explanation of what happened.