Started in flight school, continued as a permanent soldier in the Yamam, and died in a diving accident: 'A disaster the heart refuses to accept'

Yamam fighter Itai Person (23) from Haifa drowned to death while diving at the Student Beach. His body was found after three days of searching. Person, who began his service in flight school and served as a fighter in the Yamam, was due to be released soon. His funeral will take place tomorrow at the military cemetery in Haifa.

Yamam fighter Itai Person (23) from Haifa drowned to death last Thursday while diving at the Student Beach in the city. His body was located yesterday (Saturday) after three days of extensive searches by the Israel Police, which included drones, a helicopter, boats, and jet skis. The body was found on the seabed about 800 meters from the shore. The circumstances of the drowning remain unclear. Person enlisted in the IDF in January 2023, began in flight school, and later served as a fighter in the Border Police's undercover unit. Upon his release from the IDF, he enlisted for permanent service in the Yamam, where he served in the observation and drone team. He was supposed to celebrate his birthday in three months and be released from police service. His friends described him as a charismatic and talented young man, a thrill-seeker who had previously participated in the "Ninja Israel" competition. At the family home sit his parents – Judge Rona Person and Dr. Alex Person – his brothers, sisters, and his girlfriend Nicole. His funeral is expected to take place tomorrow at the military cemetery in Haifa.

Started in flight school, continued as a permanent soldier in the Yamam, and died in a diving accident: 'A disaster the heart refuses to accept'