Tragic story from the Philippines; we never know

CRS Mourns the Loss of our Colleague in the Philippines

January 17, 2015 by Jim Stipe

Today Catholic Relief Services grieves the loss of our staff, 27-year-old Kristel Padasas of Manila. Kristel passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2015, when she was struck by scaffolding at the site of the papal mass in Tacloban shortly after Pope Francis departed.

CRS staff Kristel Padasas

Kristel was based in Samar and worked on a recovery project for typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Her dedication to the people affected by the typhoon extended beyond her official work with CRS. She traveled a great distance to volunteer at today’s papal mass and to remember the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

CRS Philippines mourns her loss along with her family, friends and loved ones. Her colleagues remember her as someone who loved to laugh and who was always ready to assist outside her normal duties.  She found great joy in being able to contribute to the recovery effort by working directly with communities and families.

Our deepest prayers are with Kristel’s family and loved ones