Israeli Actor and Former Combat Medic Guy Kapulnik Dies in California Plane Crash

Israeli actor and former elite combat medic Guy Kapulnik, 46, was killed on Thursday morning when the single-engine plane he was piloting crashed in an open area in San Bernardino County, California. Kapulnik, who also worked as a flight instructor, was with another individual at the time of the crash; both occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

American authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the cause of the accident. No official reason for the crash has been released.

Kapulnik's death prompted widespread mourning from students, friends, and colleagues who remembered him as a dedicated instructor and a beloved figure who shared his passion for aviation. He is survived by his parents, brother, and sister.

Kapulnik led a diverse career, serving as an officer in the elite 669 search and rescue unit, studying acting at the Nissan Nativ Acting Studio in Jerusalem, and earning a degree in information systems from the Technion. He appeared in Israeli films such as "Lebanon" and "Room 514," as well as television productions and theater.

He later moved to the United States, continuing his acting career in film, television, and theater. In recent years, aviation became a central part of his life. He trained and qualified as a flight instructor in California, where he mentored many aspiring pilots who viewed him as more than just a teacher.