84-Year-Old Man Critically Injured After Falling from Cross During Crucifixion Reenactment in West Virginia

An 84-year-old man was critically injured after falling approximately 10 feet from a cross during a Good Friday crucifixion reenactment in Weston, West Virginia. The incident occurred during an Easter event organized by the Vandalia Community Christian Church at the Masonic Cemetery.

The man, who was not a member of the church but volunteered to assist with the performance, was portraying one of the figures during the traditional reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He fell from a replica cross while standing on a small platform as part of the display.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and the man was airlifted to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. He remains in the intensive care unit with broken ribs but is reportedly recovering and expected to survive, according to his family.

The reenactment marked the church’s 20th annual performance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The event included three men portraying Jesus and the two thieves, all in costume and positioned on crosses, with others dressed as Roman centurions and biblical figures like Mary observing the solemn scene.

A member of the church, Beth Barnes, commented during the event that despite varying weather conditions over the years, the reenactment continued annually to honor the Easter season and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “We’ve been doing this for over 20 years… There are people who are on the crosses who represent Jesus and the two thieves,” she said.

The fall cast a shadow over the Good Friday observance, which is commemorated by Christians worldwide with gospel readings and passion plays. The 2025 Easter season has already been marked by sorrow, following the recent passing of Pope Francis due to a cerebral stroke that led to coma and cardiac arrest.