A Florida fitness instructor and military veteran has been missing since a canoeing trip — and loved ones are still holding out hope for a miracle as they continue to search for him this week.
Eiffel Gilyana, 46, who serves as head of health for a local Jewish organization, was one of several people who set out for the morning commute in St. Augustine.
The rest of his party lost sight of the married father of three at one point and later found his overturned canoe broken in two.
US Coast Guard units conducted a massive search soon after, but were unable to locate him.
After 48 hours, the effort was suspended Sunday night. Volunteer crews continue to scan the waters for any sign of Gilyana this week.
His family launched a GoFundMe page to support his wife and three children, and continue the search.
“Remember the Eiffel. Share his story. Take him home.” the fundraiser said.
The sampan crew member stated that he had gone without a life jacket.
The Iraqi native served in the US military from 2003 to 2009 as a translator.
Gilyana eventually settled in Jacksonville to escape the threat of ISIS, according to reports.
Gilyana disappeared after a canoeing trip outside St. Augustine.
He became a successful fitness instructor, and was known for completing grueling endurance challenges.
An experienced kayaker, he once completed a 150-mile trip from Miami to Key West.
“Our condolences to the families and friends affected by this tragic event,” said Cmdr. Nick Barrow of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “This is an intensive search in the hope of finding Mr. Gilyana. I would like to thank our partner from the city of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Customs and Border Protection for their contributions to this united effort.”
Sampan Gilyana was found broken in half.
The former competitive bodybuilder serves as the health coordinator for the local Jewish Community Alliance, which notes his dedication and accomplished fitness background in his bio.
“A passionate leader and role model to our JCA community, Eiffel said she always made sure to never take anything for granted and stay positive even in difficult times,” the description states.
In addition to his work with the organization, Eiffel also serves as the Health and Wellness Advisor for Task Force Hydro 1, a non-profit group that works with veterans and emergency workers.
Army veteran served as a military translator in Iraq.
“During this very difficult time, our prayers go out to the Eiffel family, friends, Task Force Hydro1 teammates, customers and our JCA community,” JCA CEO Adam Chaskin said in a statement.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
