KAN 11 news director Itzik Barashi killed in bicycle accident on Highway 44

Barashi was 56 at the time of the accident, according to Maariv, which occured while he was riding along the highway with a group of friends.

Itzik Barashi, a KAN 11 news director, was killed in a bicycle accident on Highway 44 on Saturday, KAN News reported.

"KAN News mourns the death of our friend," the company's management said in a statement.

"Barashi, one of KAN News' professional and talented directors, joined the broadcasting corporation almost upon its establishment, in 2018. Since then, he has accompanied our broadcasts with professionalism and commitment - in routine and in war."

"KAN News sends condolences to his wife, Shirley, his children - Keren, Roy, and Itai - to his family, his friends, and all his coworkers," the statement added.

The date and other details for Barashi's funeral have not yet been released, according to KAN.

Barashi was 56 at the time of the accident, according to Maariv, which occured while he was riding along the highway with a group of friends.

"We rode together; everything was wonderful, and we reached the finish line," Maariv cited one of his fellow riders as saying. "Dear Itzik, you were an exemplary friend, a true friend. It's hard to comprehend that a ride that began as every Saturday ended with parting ways with you."

MDA paramedic discusses Barashi's injuries prior to declaration of death

Maariv additionally cited an MDA paramedic who treated Barashi on scene prior to him being declared dead at the hospital.

"The rider was lying on the road, unconscious and suffering from a severe head injury," the paramedic said. "We began providing medical treatment that included assistance with breathing, bandaging, and administering medication, and evacuated him to an intensive care unit at Shamir Assaf Harofeh Hospital, where he continued medical treatment, with his condition being classified as serious."