Israeli Ex-Soldier Dies in Paragliding Accident in Colombia

A recently discharged Israeli soldier, identified in Colombian media as Noam Maman, died on Thursday in a paragliding accident near Medellin, Colombia, during his post-military "big trip." The incident occurred in the San Félix area, within the municipality of Bello, north of Medellin in the Antioquia department.

Maman, who held both Israeli and German citizenship, was on a tandem paragliding flight with a local instructor when the paraglider reportedly lost control and crashed in a wooded area. Initial findings are investigating the possibility that weather conditions, including strong winds reported by witnesses, contributed to the crash, though the exact cause remains under investigation.

The paragliding instructor, Emiliano Monroy Castro, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a Medellin hospital, where his condition is described as critical. Emergency services, including firefighters, police, and rescue teams, responded to the crash site. Colombian investigative authorities are also examining the operations of the company that organized the paragliding flight, which reportedly holds the necessary permits.

In Israel, efforts are underway to repatriate Maman's body. Rabbi Levi Wunu of the Chabad emissary in Medellin is coordinating with the Israeli Embassy and local authorities to expedite the necessary procedures for his return to Israel for burial as soon as possible.