Israeli father killed in Slovenia while rescuing seven-year-old son from ravine fall

Gail Hillel, a father of three from Kibbutz Yizrael, died in Slovenia after falling into a ravine while attempting to save his young son, who was seriously injured.

A 44-year-old Israeli, Gail Hillel, a member of Kibbutz Yizrael, was tragically killed in Slovenia on Saturday while trying to rescue his 7-year-old son, who had fallen into a ravine during a family trip.

The accident occurred near the Slap Savica waterfall, a popular natural site in the Bohinj area of northwestern Slovenia.

According to the Kranj District Police, the family had stopped at a nearby rest area with picnic tables and benches after visiting the waterfall. During this stop, the boy wandered away from his family. Soon after, they heard his cries for help.

Hillel immediately searched for his son and fell into the ravine while trying to reach him.

Rescue teams later found Hillel in the Savica River channel, suffering from fatal injuries, and pronounced him dead at the scene, while his son was also located by the rescue team.

The child received initial treatment at the scene for serious injuries before being evacuated by helicopter, operated by the police aviation unit, to the University Medical Center in Ljubljana.

Rescue teams locate Israeli Father and son

The Bohinj Mountain Rescue Service initially received reports indicating that only a child had fallen into a ravine. However, upon their arrival, they discovered that Hillel had also fallen.

Several members of the rescue unit were conducting a training exercise nearby at the time of the incident, which enabled them to reach the accident scene quickly. The team rapidly descended nearly 60 meters into the river channel below and was able to assist both Hillel and the child, preparing them for evacuation.

After the child was airlifted to the hospital, Hillel’s body was recovered from the steep terrain using ropes.

“We sincerely hope the child recovers quickly and in the best possible way, and that one day he and the rest of his family will be able to cope with this tragedy,” local rescuers expressed in their condolences to the family.

Slovenian police have stated that they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Once their findings are complete, a report will be submitted to the relevant district prosecutor’s office.