The Florida community is mourning the loss of a respected Army veteran, Eiffel Gilyana, whose body was discovered off Vilano Beach on Tuesday.
Gilyana, 46, had been missing since Saturday when he disappeared during a group canoe surfing trip.
Gilyana's friends and loved ones expressed their profound grief and shock at his untimely passing. "Words cannot express the hollowness that engulfs us all, the crushing weight of a future forever etched with his absence," a close friend penned on a Gofundme page dedicated to Gilyana. The fundraising page had amassed over $70,000 by Wednesday morning.
The Coast Guard initiated a search for Gilyana on Saturday but suspended their efforts after 48 hours. However, volunteers persisted in their search, eventually leading to the tragic discovery of the former competitive bodybuilder and accomplished fitness instructor.
Born in Iraq, Gilyana served as a translator in the US military from 2003 to 2009. To escape potential retaliation from ISIS for his assistance to US forces, he relocated to Jacksonville, where he carved out a successful career as a fitness instructor, renowned for his grueling endurance feats. Among his many accomplishments, the seasoned kayaker once completed a 150-mile journey from Miami to Key West.
Gilyana also served as the health coordinator for the local Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), where his dedication and accomplishments were highly valued. Adam Chaskin, CEO of the JCA, paid tribute to Gilyana's impact on the community. "Effiel wasnt just the fitness and wellness director at the JCA. He wasnt just a personal trainer," Chaskin said. "He became part of peoples families and people became part of his family. He just has such a warm heart and so many people connected so easily, and so well with him over the years.
In addition to his work with the JCA, Gilyana also served as a health and wellness adviser for Task Force Hydro 1, a nonprofit group assisting veterans and emergency workers. As the community mourns his loss, they also celebrate his life and the positive impact he had. "We will mourn him deeply, but we will also celebrate the gift of his existence, the light he brought to our world, and the legacy of love he leaves behind," the Gofundme page stated.
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