A Roman Catholic priest in southwestern Ecuador has died after a wooden crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed service.

The priest was identified as Patricio Sánchez of Perpetuo Socorro Church by the Archdiocese of Guayaquil, a coastal city 265 kilometers (164 miles) southwest of the capital, Quito.

Footage of the evening Mass on Saturday shows a heavy crucifix detaching from the wall above the altar and striking Sánchez on the head.

He did not appear to see it falling.

Worshippers cried for help as the live broadcast continued.

Local authorities have not commented on the incident.

Sánchez belonged to the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, a Roman Catholic religious order founded in 1732 with a presence in 80 countries.

A Eucharist service was held in memory on Sunday evening.

“We are grateful for all the messages of condolence received from around the world, and especially for your prayers for the eternal rest of the soul of Fr. Patricio Sánchez,” the archdiocese wrote on Facebook.