Mystery Deepens Over Fitness Icon Gilad Yankelovich’s Death in Hawaii

Gilad Yankelovich, the legendary Israeli fitness coach and former decathlon champion, has been found dead in Hawaii under circumstances his family says are still unclear. In a statement released Tuesday evening, his family said he was found at the foot of his apartment building on the 16th floor in Honolulu, and that the case remains under active investigation by the Honolulu Police Department.

The family said, “In deep sorrow we are sharing additional details regarding the sudden passing of our beloved brother Gilad.” They asked for patience and privacy, and said that in accordance with the family’s wishes, Yankelovich will be buried in Israel beside his parents.

The new account contradicts earlier reporting that he had died in his sleep. His close friend Haya Halperin, known from the program “Shat Koach,” told mako that she understood he likely suffered a cardiac arrest during the night. “He went to sleep and simply did not wake up,” she said, adding, “A tremendous loss for me. He was like a brother.”

Yankelovich was 71 and would have turned 72 next month. He became a household name through the fitness show “Guf BaTnua,” which made exercise accessible to a wide audience and aired for years on Israel’s Sports Channel. The channel said he remained physically active and training until his final day, and recently had been working with them on a new international program featuring workouts filmed at Israeli tourist sites including Masada and Jerusalem.