Crucifix honoring John Paul II collapses, killing man in Italy

A 21-year-old man was killed in northern Italy when a 1,300-pound crucifix dedicated to Pope John Paul II collapsed on top of him.

The incident occurred just three days before the late pontiff is set to be declared a saint at the Vatican.

The victim, identified by Italian media as Marco Gusmini, died instantly after being crushed by the 100-foot crucifix Thursday in the town of Cevo.

Local media reported that the incident occurred as a group of people was attending a ceremony under the crucifix marking the upcoming canonization. The dual canonization of John Paul and Pope John XXIII is expected to draw more than one million people to the Vatican Sunday.

Reuters reported that the fallen statue was dedicated in 2005 to commemorate John Paul's visit to the area in 1998.