Priest in Ecuador dies after crucifix falls on him during livestreamed Mass

The Rev. Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest at the Church of Perpetual Relief in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died Saturday after a wooden crucifix fell from a wall and struck him during a livestreamed Mass, according to the Archdiocese of Guayaquil and NBC News.

The incident occurred while Molinari was facing the congregation behind the altar. A large crucifix hanging on the wall behind him suddenly fell forward onto the back of his head, causing him to fall to the ground and not get back up, as shown in the video reviewed by NBC News.

The Mass was being livestreamed on the priest's Facebook page, which had over 4,600 followers, but the video was later taken down. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil announced his death and expressed solidarity and affection for his family and friends.

Sánchez Molinari belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order with a presence in 80 countries, founded in 1732. The Archdiocese stated that he "has departed to the House of the Father to enjoy his presence and glory."