A 41-year-old father and pastor has died after a large wooden sign fell during high winds at a Christian music festival in West Sussex.
Robert Guanco, from Eastbourne, was killed at the Big Church Festival, held at the Wiston Estate near Steyning, on Friday, 28 August.
Sussex Police were called to the festival site in Washington Road at around 3.38pm following reports that a large sign had fallen.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, Mr Guanco died.
Five others treated by paramedics
South East Coast Ambulance Service said a further five people were assessed and treated at the scene.
Four were taken to local hospitals, including two people with more serious injuries and two with less serious injuries.
Police remained at the festival site the following day as enquiries continued into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officers are gathering evidence as part of a joint investigation with Horsham District Council, while the Health and Safety Executive and local authority have also been informed.
Festival cancelled following tragedy
Big Church Festival had been due to continue until Sunday but organisers cancelled the remainder of the event following the fatal incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Richard McDonagh said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who died, and all others who have been affected by this tragic incident.
“We know there were thousands of people on site yesterday afternoon, and we would urge anyone with any information or any relevant video footage to please come forward.”
He added: “The festival organisers have chosen to close the event in light of this devastating incident, and I would like to thank them and all other partners as we work together to establish the full circumstances.”
Police appeal for footage
Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and video footage which may have captured the incident.
Anyone with information can report it to Sussex Police online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Igloo.
The circumstances surrounding Mr Guanco’s death will also form part of the coroner’s investigation.
