This is a sad story, and the video is hard to watch, so I won't describe it. Here is what the reporting I found says.
Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, parish priest of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro church in Guayaquil, Ecuador, was celebrating a livestreamed Mass on Saturday, October 17, 2026. About 27 minutes in, a large wooden crucifix that was mounted on the wall behind the altar came loose and fell on him. Worshippers rushed to help. He died, and the Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, October 18. The archdiocese said he was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, the Redemptorists.
What is still unknown is why the cross fell. As of these reports, no official explanation has been given about whether structural damage or the fittings played a part, and authorities had not publicly commented. Early versions of the story differ in small details, such as where he was standing, so I'd rely on the archdiocese's statement and later reporting over the first posts.
For the full account, NBC News has a clear write-up. If the investigation says anything about the cause, that would be worth coming back to.
🕒 As of October 2026
