A 46-year-old man, Eiffel Gilyana, has been remembered by close friends after his body was found north of Vilano Beach in Ponte Vedra Beach. Gilyana had gone canoeing with two others near the St. Augustine inlet and went missing on Saturday. Despite a search effort by the Coast Guard, which covered 341 square miles of the ocean, Gilyana was not wearing a life jacket and was eventually found by fishermen.
Described as a humble person who always put others first, Gilyana was the fitness and wellness director at the Jacksonville Community Alliance and a member of Task Force Hydro1, an organization that helps foster emotional healing in the water for military personnel, first responders, and veterans. His positive energy and dedication to making a difference in the lives of others will not be forgotten.
Leo Yui, a member of Task Force Hydro1, spoke highly of Gilyana, stating, As soon as he sees you he smiles at you and approaches you and asks how your day was and how he can make your life better. Yui emphasized the deep relationships built with Gilyana in a short amount of time.
According to Yui, Gilyana and the other two canoers were approximately a mile into the ocean, in a spot known as the sholes. This spot was familiar to them, as it provided opportunities to surf with waves coming from different angles. Yui shared that Gilyana was in a single canoe while the other two were together.
The tragic incident has left loved ones devastated, but they choose to remember Gilyana’s energy and passion for helping others. Yui expressed their desire to continue Gilyana’s impactful work.
Task Force Hydro1 released a statement expressing their grief and condolences to Gilyana’s family and friends. They acknowledged his dedication, passion, and contributions to their organization and the broader community. The organization is focused on providing support to Gilyana’s family and their members during this challenging time.
The JCA plans on hosting a gathering in remembrance and celebration of Gilyana, with further details to be confirmed. As the community mourns this loss, there is a desire for information regarding funeral arrangements and ways to support the Gilyana family. Task Force Hydro1 assures the community that relevant information will be communicated once finalized.
The tragic loss of Eiffel Gilyana serves as a reminder of the importance of safety while engaging in water activities. Wearing a life jacket can potentially save lives and prevent such devastating incidents.
