Cops probe death of man, 41, killed by falling sign at Christian festival

THE death of a man killed by a falling sign at a Christian festival is being investigated by police. They are examining whether or not the structure was properly secured before it collapsed, with witnesses claiming it was blown over by strong winds. The death of a man killed by a falling sign at a Christian festival is being investigated by policeCredit: Refer to source A 41-year-old man was killed when a huge wooden archway collapsed, with six more people injured Credit: The 41-year-old man, from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was crushed when a huge wooden archway gave way on Friday. Another six people were injured, two seriously. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Fred Abbott, a father of four, was sitting nearby when the structure fell at the sell-out Big Church Festival near Steyning, West Sussex. He described hearing a “massive crack and bang” and joined an estimated 30 to 50 people who scrambled to lift the heavy wooden sign off the injured festival-goers. Archbishop of Canterbury Dame Sarah Mullally was said to be “sad and shocked” by the fatality. She said: “I pray for his family, friends and loved ones as they grieve. “I pray for those receiving treatment, and the healthcare workers looking after them. “And I pray too for the other festival-goers, staff and event organisers as they come to terms with these tragic events. Most read in The Sun An estimated 30 to 50 people scrambled to lift the heavy wooden sign off the injured festival-goers Credit: The three-day Christian festival was cancelled following the tragic incident Credit: Eddie Mitchell “May the God of comfort and healing be with them all.” The three-day event, founded in 2009, is the UK’s biggest Christian music festival with all 40,000 tickets sold. Organisers later cancelled the event and said: “Big Church Festival is about bringing people together. That community is grieving. We are heartbroken.” Det Chief Supt Richard McDonagh, of Sussex Police, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts go out to the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. “I recognise the immense distress this will have caused people at the festival, and we are working with a number of partners as we seek to establish exactly what happened. “We’re urging anyone with information to come forward.” Comment now