Tragic, and frankly terrifying, scenes are emerging from a popular kite surfing spot in Israel.
On Friday, during stormy conditions in the coastal town of Bat Yam, Israel, two kite surfers were thrust into the air by a “sudden wind vortex,” sending them 150 meters (500ft) into the air, and plummeting to earth. One, sadly, died; another was seriously injured.
See the footage below of the hectic incident.
According to local news, “The victim was identified as Lior Dadon, a longtime kitesurfing enthusiast with more than two decades of experience in the sport.”
Describing what happened to the 46-year-old during the freak incident, they added:
“According to emergency services, Dadon entered the water Friday afternoon. strong winds lifted him from the sea and hurled him more than 150 meters (about 500 feet), slamming him into rocks. He died at the scene. Another surfer was lightly injured.”
see another angle below:
The footage shows a handful of kite surfers in the water at the time, all cruising about, enjoying the gusty conditions. But then, one giant blast takes one of the kiters high up into the air, away from the ocean, wriggling for control, before depositing the man over the land.
Chilling.
Related: Kite Surfer Soars 131-Feet High, Breaks World Record (Video)
And following the news of his tragic passing, the local kite surfing community banded together to remember one of their own. One friend reminisced:
“He always had a smile.Before thinking about himself, he cared about everyone else. He was funny and sharp. I love him so much and miss him.”
Since he died doing what he loved, another friend of Dadon added:
“Despite the tragedy, if you asked him how he would choose to go, he probably would have said kitesurfing.”
A freak tragedy nonetheless.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the fallen.
Related: Kite Surfing 1,567ft High, World Record Smashed (Video)
