Jerusalem, 13 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The body of Staff Sgt. Maj. Itai Parson, a 23-year-old police counterterrorism (Yamam) fighter from Haifa, was found dead Saturday at Haifa’s Students Beach, after he had been missing for nearly three days.
Parson had disappeared Thursday afternoon after going free-diving without equipment with a family member who remained on a kayak. Contact with him was lost later that evening.
A major search operation continued around the clock for three days, involving police, Border Police, the Navy’s Underwater Missions unit, aerial and maritime search teams, Fire and Rescue’s Lahav unit, the Haifa Municipality, and hundreds of volunteers and civilians. His body was located on Saturday.
Parson served with the Yamam’s observation and drone team and entered permanent service in December 2025. He is survived by his parents, four siblings, and his partner. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.