VILANO BEACH, Fla. — The body of a man who disappeared Saturday while canoeing has been found north of Vilano Beach.
Family of 46-year-old Eiffel Gilyana tell Action News Jax that fishermen found Gilyana.
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Gilyana was canoeing near the St. Augustine inlet when he disappeared.
On Sunday, the Coast Guard suspended its search after searching 341 square miles of ocean. Members of Task Force Hydro 1, a local veteran nonprofit, continued to look for Gilyana.
Read: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended search for missing canoer, Eiffel Gilyana
“Eiffel went out on the single canoe with two other local guys,” said Leonardo Yui, Task Force Hydro 1 co-founder. “They went out just to go into the ocean to catch the waves.”
The Coast Guard said Gilyana was not wearing a life jacket when he went missing.
Read: Family identifies missing canoer, Eiffel Gilyana
Leonardo said Gilyana was in an outrigger canoe and if that flipped, even the strongest of swimmers would have a hard time fighting the current.
Gilyana was the Fitness and Wellness Director at the Jewish Community Alliance. They shared the following statement:
“Dear JCA Community,
“It is with the heaviest hearts and a profound sense of sorrow that we share a heartbreaking update concerning the well-being of our cherished JCA Fitness and Wellness Director, Eiffel Gilyana.
“Today, December 26, at around 1 pm, a heart-wrenching discovery was made in the ocean, approximately seven miles from where Eiffel was last seen. Law enforcement has officially verified that the retrieved body is indeed that of Eiffel Gilyana.
“During this exceedingly difficult time, we humbly ask our community to extend their warmth and compassion to embrace and support the Gilyana Family. If your heart moves you to do so please consider donating to the GoFundMe page or signing up to provide meals for the Gilyana family. For access to all updates and information on how to lend a hand, please click here.
“The JCA plans on hosting a gathering in remembrance and celebration of Eiffel. We will share more details once confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eiffel’s family, friends, Task Force Hydro1 teammates, clients, and our entire JCA community.
“In profound sadness and solidarity,
Adam Chaskin, CEO”
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Task Force Hydro 1 released the following statement about Gilyana:
“‘Our hearts are shattered with the devastating news about Eiffel,’ expressed Leonardo Yui, Executive Director of Task Force Hydro1. ‘His passion, dedication, and contributions to our organization and the broader community will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.’
“The organization remains committed to providing support during this incredibly challenging time. ‘Our primary focus is now on supporting Eiffel’s family and our members. We will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities and will provide pertinent updates as they become available,’ added Yui.
“As the community grapples with this profound loss, Task Force Hydro1 acknowledges the desire for information regarding funeral arrangements and other ways to support the Gilyana family. Rest assured, details about funeral arrangements and any other pertinent information will be communicated as they are finalized and become available.
“Task Force Hydro1 kindly requests that the privacy of Eiffel’s family be respected during this profoundly difficult time.”
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