The Eastbourne Christian community will gather next month to remember Pastor Robert Guanco, who died after a large structure collapsed during the 2026 Big Church Festival in West Sussex. Guanco, 41, was a pastor and elder at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. His death on August 28, 2026, left his wife, daughter, congregation, friends and the wider Christian community mourning an unexpected loss. A funeral service has now been arranged for October 9, 2026, at King’s Church in Eastbourne, with a livestream planned for people unable to attend in person. What Happened to Pastor Robert Guanco? The tragedy occurred on the afternoon of Friday, August 28, at Wiston Park near Steyning, where the Big Church Festival was taking place. Sussex Police said officers were called at approximately 3:38 p.m. following reports that a large sign had fallen at the festival site on Washington Road. Several people were injured in the incident. A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne was pronounced dead at the scene. He was later identified by Jesus Living Water Church as Pastor Robert Guanco. The incident brought the festival to an early end as emergency services responded and people at the event were left shocked by what had happened. Several People Injured in the Collapse The falling structure injured several people attending the festival. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said six patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with four subsequently taken to hospital. Guanco suffered fatal injuries in the incident. The available information does not indicate that his death resulted from a separate medical condition. His death followed the injuries sustained when the structure fell. The circumstances surrounding why the structure collapsed remain subject to investigation. Who Was Robert Guanco? Robert Guanco was a pastor and elder at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. For members of his congregation, his life was closely connected with Christian ministry, family and service to others. Following his death, the church remembered him as a faithful servant, loving husband and devoted father. Friends and members of the wider Christian community have also remembered his kindness, friendship, mentorship and commitment to helping people around him. His ministry was an important part of the life he shared with his family and congregation. Remembered as a Husband and Father Guanco is survived by his wife, Isaeli, and their daughter, Ellie. His sudden death has left his family facing a profound loss while also receiving support from friends, church members and people who learned of the tragedy through the festival community. Those mourning him have remembered Robert in many roles — as a husband, father, pastor, son, brother, friend and mentor. For his wife and daughter, however, his loss is deeply personal. The family is now preparing to say goodbye while carrying forward the memories of the life they shared with him. Church Community Comes Together Jesus Living Water Church has played an important role in remembering Guanco following his death. Other Christian organizations have also expressed condolences. Churches Together in England was among those to acknowledge the tragedy and the impact of Guanco’s death on his family, congregation and the wider Christian community. The response has highlighted how widely his loss has been felt beyond the immediate Eastbourne congregation. Fundraiser Supports Guanco’s Family A fundraising campaign was established to support Guanco’s family following his death. The appeal has included assistance with funeral-related expenses as well as practical support for his wife and daughter as they navigate the aftermath of his death. By late September, the fundraiser had reportedly raised more than £237,000. Supporters have used the campaign to share memories of Guanco and to express their condolences to his family. The response has demonstrated the level of support surrounding Isaeli and Ellie following the sudden loss. Funeral Service Set for October 9 Family members, friends, church members and others connected with Guanco will have an opportunity to pay their respects at his upcoming funeral. The service is scheduled as follows: Date: October 9, 2026 Venue: King’s Church, Eastbourne Livestream: Planned for those unable to attend in person The livestream will allow members of the wider Christian community and people outside Eastbourne to participate in the service. Additional details concerning the precise schedule or other arrangements should be confirmed through the family or church. Investigation Into the Festival Incident The circumstances surrounding the collapse remain under investigation. Sussex Police have appealed to witnesses and anyone who may have photographs or video footage from the festival to come forward. The Health and Safety Executive and the relevant local authority have also been informed. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the falling structure and determine what caused it to collapse. Until the investigation is completed, conclusions about responsibility or contributing factors should not be assumed. Big Church Festival Ends Early The incident had a significant impact on the festival itself. Following the collapse and the death of Guanco, organizers brought the event to an early conclusion. What had been a large gathering of members of the Christian community became the scene of a fatal tragedy. For those who attended, the incident is likely to remain closely associated with the memories they have of the festival. Robert Guanco’s Legacy For those who knew Robert Guanco, his legacy extends beyond the circumstances of his death. He is being remembered for his Christian ministry, his commitment to his congregation and the relationships he developed throughout his life. His role as a pastor and elder placed him in a position of service to others, while his family remembered him as a loving husband and father. The funeral at King’s Church will provide an opportunity for those who knew him to gather, grieve and celebrate the life he shared with his family and community. Frequently Asked Questions Who was Pastor Robert Guanco? Robert Guanco was a 41-year-old pastor and elder at Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne. He was also a husband and father. When did Robert Guanco die? Guanco died on August 28, 2026, following injuries sustained when a large structure fell during the Big Church Festival in West Sussex. Where did the incident happen? The incident occurred at Wiston Park near Steyning, at the Big Church Festival site on Washington Road. How did Robert Guanco die? Guanco suffered fatal injuries after a large sign or structure fell at the festival. The circumstances surrounding the collapse remain under investigation. How many other people were injured? The South East Coast Ambulance Service said six patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with four subsequently taken to hospital. Who survived Robert Guanco? Guanco is survived by his wife, Isaeli, and their daughter, Ellie, along with other relatives, friends and members of his church community. When is Robert Guanco’s funeral? His funeral is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at King’s Church in Eastbourne. A livestream is planned for people who cannot attend. Is there a fundraiser for Robert Guanco’s family? Yes. A fundraising campaign was established to support his wife and daughter following his death, including assistance with funeral expenses and other needs. Is the festival incident still being investigated? Yes. Sussex Police are continuing inquiries and have appealed for witnesses and relevant video footage. The Health and Safety Executive and local authority have also been informed. Remembering Pastor Robert Guanco Robert Guanco’s death brought an unexpected tragedy to the Big Church Festival and left his family and congregation facing a loss they could not have anticipated. Yet the tributes following his death have focused not only on the circumstances of the incident, but on the life he lived. He is remembered as a pastor who served his church, a husband who shared his life with Isaeli, a father to Ellie, and a friend and mentor to many people within the Christian community. His funeral on October 9 will give those who knew him an opportunity to gather in remembrance and support his family. For the Eastbourne Christian community, Robert Guanco’s memory will remain connected with his faith, his service and the relationships he built during his life. May Robert Guanco rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the love and support of the community around them. Disclaimer Information here is for general information purposes only. This article is based on information concerning Robert Guanco’s death, the Big Church Festival incident and funeral arrangements available at the time of writing. Details concerning the ongoing investigation, the cause of the structural collapse and memorial arrangements may change as authorities or the family release additional information. The family, Jesus Living Water Church and relevant authorities remain the appropriate sources for official information concerning Robert Guanco’s obituary, funeral and memorial arrangements. Post navigation Teenage Girl Injured After Falling From Moving Bus Near Spit Bridge in Seaforth, Sydney Michelle Lee Turner Obituary, Death: Athens Woman Found Dead as Ex-Boyfriend Faces Capital Murder Charge