Gilad Yankelovich's family reveals circumstances of his death: "Suicide"

Gilad Yankelovich's family has revealed for the first time that the cause of his death was suicide, according to the official report of the medical examiner. In a statement released by the family, they said they waited for the final findings before addressing the matter publicly, and that even now they struggle to understand what led to the tragedy. Yankelovich, an athlete and Israeli champion in the decathlon, became a successful fitness instructor worldwide and host of the fitness program "Bodies in Motion."

The family of Gilad Yankelovich has revealed today (Tuesday) for the first time the circumstances of his death about two months ago at the age of 71. In a statement released by the family, it was reported that according to the official report of the medical examiner's office, the cause of Yankelovich's death was suicide. His family members noted that they waited for the publication of the final findings before addressing the circumstances of his death publicly, and that even now they still struggle to understand what led to the tragedy. Yankelovich, born in Kibbutz Galon, was an Israeli athlete, champion and record holder in the decathlon, and later became one of the most successful Israeli fitness instructors in the world. He was best known as the host and creator of the fitness program "Bodies in Motion," which aired in Hawaii in the 1980s and was broadcast over the years in dozens of countries, including on ESPN and in Israel. In 2007, he was even inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame in the United States. Last June, he was found lifeless. The family asked to maintain their privacy and not add details about the circumstances of death, and concluded with a request to remember Yankelovich for his life and the legacy he left behind.