CRS expresses sympathy over death of staff in Tacloban

Pope Francis and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle meet with the father of slain CRS volunteer Kristel Mae Pasadas, Mr. Paulino Padasas Jr. (Photo courtesy of Zenit News Agency via RTV Malacanang)

MANILA  — The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines has expressed sympathy over the death of 27-year-old Kristel Padasas, who died on Saturday in a freak accident in Tacloban.

“CRS Philippines mourns her loss along with her family, friends and loved ones,” the CRS said in a statement.

Padasas died on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, when she was struck by scaffolding at the site of the papal mass in Tacloban shortly after Pope Francis went back to Manila.

The CRS staff 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 the papal mass and to remember the victims of Typhoon Haiyan,” the statement said.

The CRS added, “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.”

The CRS is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States.