Yakir Levi has died at the age of 45.
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The death of the Los Angeles reality television star was reported by the New York Post. Before his death, he was scheduled to meet two friends at the swanky Acqualina Resort and Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida.
His friends had pulled up to the valet at the hotel when Levi sent the text, "I'm coming." They then heard a "strong crash". Frightened guests screamed that someone had fallen from a balcony. That someone was Levi, who had fallen 28 stories.
Who Is Yakir Levi?
Levi was born in Ramla, Israel. He came to America with only $300, then founded a multimillion-dollar company that restored properties damaged by natural disasters.
Levi's story caught the attention of Israel's Channel 13 reality show The Americans. The program follows Israeli expatriates following the American dream.
Friends said Levi was "larger-than-life." Before building his successful restoration business, he served in the Israel Defense Forces' special forces. He was also a married father with three children, ranging in age from 4 through 12.
Family and Friends Don't Believe Levi's Death Was a Suicide
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to reports of a man who had fallen from the resort at 9:30 p.m. local time on Monday. Levi was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members later identified him.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Homicide Bureau is investigating Levi's fall as an "unclassified death." This is after detectives recovered the businessman's cellphone and bag.
However, the police report classifies the incident as a "suicide w/injuries." Levi's family and friends take issue with this.
Eran Hersh, one of Levi's close friends, said, "They were all meeting up to go out. It just doesn't make any sense. It's impossible for me to think that he just committed suicide. The day before, he was on a boat smoking a cigar, having the time of his life."
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced the final determination of Levi's cause of death. He is expected to be buried in Israel.
