Days After Priest Dies in Ecuador, Another Priest Survives Being Struck by Falling Cross
A frightening incident inside a Colombian church has drawn attention online after a priest was struck by a large falling cross and survived without serious injuries. The incident happened just days after another priest died in Ecuador when a similar religious structure fell on him during Mass.
The Colombian priest, Óscar Echeverri, was reportedly recording content for social media when he approached the cross to adjust its position. What happened next was captured on video.
Cross Falls and Strikes Priest on the Head
In the footage, Echeverri can be seen holding the cross near its base with both hands. Suddenly, the heavy structure gives way and falls toward him, striking his head.
The impact knocks him to the ground, but he quickly gets back up and moves the cross out of his way. Moments later, he approaches the camera, appearing stunned by the unexpected incident.
He then lifts the cross and returns it to its original position.
The video soon circulated across social media, with viewers drawing comparisons to a tragic incident in Ecuador that had occurred only days earlier.
Although Echeverri escaped without serious injuries, the incident highlighted the potential danger posed by heavy religious structures that are not securely fastened.
Ecuador Priest Dies After Cross Falls During Mass
The Colombian incident brought renewed attention to the death of Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a 52-year-old priest who was killed in Ecuador on October 17, 2026.
Sánchez Molinari was celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Guayaquil when a large wooden cross detached from the wall behind him and fell.
The service was being livestreamed, capturing the moment the structure came crashing down. Parishioners immediately rushed to help the priest, while one woman could be heard calling for an ambulance.
Despite the efforts to assist him, Sánchez Molinari died from the severity of his injuries.
The tragedy was particularly unsettling because it happened shortly after he had delivered a sermon reflecting on death, faith and the importance of prioritizing spiritual life and family over material possessions.
During his homily, he reminded the congregation that death was something everyone would eventually face.
After finishing the sermon, he returned to the altar. Moments later, the wooden cross behind him broke loose and fell, resulting in the fatal accident.
His death shocked the local community and drew widespread attention beyond Ecuador.
Two Similar Incidents, Very Different Outcomes
The footage from Colombia emerged just days after the fatal incident, making the similarities between the two events especially striking.
In Ecuador, the falling cross killed Sánchez Molinari. In Colombia, Echeverri managed to stand up shortly after being struck and appeared able to continue moving