A Catholic priest has died after a large wooden crucifix fell on him during a Mass that was being livestreamed at a church in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

The priest, identified as Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, was celebrating Mass at the Perpetuo Socorro Church on Saturday, October 17, when the heavy cross reportedly detached from the wall behind him and struck him on the head.

Footage of the incident showed the priest standing at the altar when the crucifix suddenly fell on him. Worshippers were heard screaming and calling for help as some rushed to assist him while the livestream continued.

Emergency responders were reportedly called to the scene, but Sánchez died later that day.

The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, expressing sorrow over the loss of the priest, who served at the Perpetuo Socorro Church in the city’s Central Vicariate.

Sánchez was a member of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order known for its missionary work in several countries around the world.

His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from members of the Catholic community and people who witnessed the incident online.

The circumstances that caused the crucifix to detach from the wall remain unclear. Local authorities had not publicly commented on the incident as of the latest reports.